MAGNOLIA, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 2023--

UK broadband providers have reported record levels of broadband network traffic sparked by the release of the latest Call of Duty video game. BT and EE, as well as Virgin Media O2, confirmed they saw major spikes on their networks after the game became available to download on Wednesday, ahead of its release on Friday. Virgin Media O2 said that Wednesday saw a new record for traffic on its broadband network, 22% higher than the previous record, which was set only a week ago with the return of the original map to popular battle royale game Fortnite. The internet provider said the large size of the new Call of Duty’s game file played a part of driving the traffic spike. Paul Kells, the provider’s network strategy and engineering director, said: “It has been an exciting couple of weeks for gamers, with the return of Fortnite’s original map and the much-anticipated arrival of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. “Both of these events have seen gamers getting online in their droves, with our customers setting two network records in less than a week. We are proud to make these moments possible with our gigabit network, backed up by our market leading wifi guarantee.” EE and BT also reported a similar spike, saying the video game launch led to the second highest overall peak in EE and BT home broadband history – behind only a night in February this year when multiple high-profile football matches were being streamed online and an update to Call of Duty’s popular battle royale spin-off Warzone was also being rolled out. The firm said the spike was the biggest single game contribution to a broadband peak it had ever seen. Sam Kemp, EE’s director of gaming, said: “As part of our mission to be the UK’s number one destination for gaming, we offer a full fibre network experience that features in-home wifi management services including Game Mode, that are built for gamers and which come into their own during AAA gaming calendar moments. “They don’t come much bigger than the latest Call of Duty drop, and as the official partner of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, we’ve seen unprecedented traffic across our network, however EE customers can be rest assured that they will be supported by the fastest speeds and most reliable network to get the best possible COD experience.” Read More Crypto investment fraud warning issued by major bank Council investigating extent of cyber attack that affected website and systems Setback for Ireland as EU legal adviser recommends revisit of Apple tax case

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Pep Guardiola has no issues selling players to rivals because Manchester City are not a “small club”. The champions come up against two of their recent former players in Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling as they travel to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday. Palmer left City for Stamford Bridge in August having grown frustrated at a lack of game time under Guardiola, a year after Sterling also moved there for a fresh challenge. Both went with the club’s blessing, as did Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko when they joined Arsenal – and fuelled a strong charge at City’s crown – last year. Some managers might be uncomfortable with at sales that effectively strengthen clubs in direct competition, but Guardiola insists it has “never ever” bothered him. The City boss said: “From my point of view, I give my opinion to the club but after that the club has to decide if the transfer is good for both sides and for the player. “But never ever (has it been an issue). I think that means you are a small club. Big clubs make decisions for the benefit for all three parties: players, both clubs – and agents sometimes. Really, it’s not a problem. “So if they want to go to Chelsea or (Manchester) United or, I don’t know, Liverpool or whatever, what is the problem? They are happy to be there, the club is happy for the transfer. “Another player would come and we’d keep going: good spirit, good mood, and try to do it.” City had high hopes for 21-year-old midfielder Palmer, who came through their youth system. He was a member of the squad that won the treble last season and started the current campaign strongly with goals in the Community Shield and European Super Cup matches. It looked like he could get more opportunities following the departure of Riyad Mahrez but he opted to move on regardless, joining Chelsea in a £42.5million deal. So far he has impressed at the London club and Guardiola accepts his decision to move appears to have paid off. He said: “They moved from here because they wanted to play and, if they play, the decision made has been good. “So Raheem, since he left, plays always and Cole, since he left, is playing always. So they took good decisions. “Cole accepted some process but after one or two years he said, ‘I don’t want to stay here because I’m not going to play’. “I said, ‘But Riyad is leaving, you have a chance’. He said, ‘I’m not going to play here. I’m going to leave’. “OK, leave. He got what he wanted. It’s good for him. He’s a huge talent. Otherwise he would not have been here.” Read More It is hard to overtake Manchester City under Pep Guardiola – Mauricio Pochettino Rob Page: Harry Wilson has been one of Wales’ main men since Gareth Bale retired Kieran Trippier confronted by angry Newcastle fans after defeat at Bournemouth She’s a tough cookie – Jodie Burrage backed to bounce back from nightmare debut Sean Dyche: Everton are starting to show belief on the road after latest win Mikel Arteta: ‘I’m completely with referees’

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