How the spike was measured

To understand how Latvian users responded to the Olympic ice hockey tournament, VPN connection data and server destination patterns were tracked from multiple sources.

App telemetry

Connection data from the VPN app was monitored between February 14–16, 2026, with hourly granularity across 37 destination countries. This data showed which server locations Latvian users chose and how connection patterns aligned with live hockey broadcast times. All data was anonymous and grouped by country only, no personal details or browsing history were collected.​

• Data was grouped, not tied to individual users
• Only country-level connection counts and server destination data were used
• No personal information or browsing activity was collected

Server destination analysis

Unlike censorship-driven spikes where connections spread across multiple servers, this spike was concentrated on a single destination - Sweden. By isolating Sweden-server connections against all other destinations, it was possible to confirm the spike was driven by a specific geo-unlocking behavior rather than a general increase in VPN use.​

Broadcast schedule cross-referencing

Latvia's Olympic ice hockey schedule and European broadcast rights data were reviewed to correlate connection spikes with live game windows:

• Latvia vs USA: February 12, 21:10 CET
• Germany vs Latvia: February 14, 12:10 CET
• Denmark vs Latvia: February 15, 19:10 CET
• Qualification play-off: February 17 (upcoming)

The data: VPN connections surge 151% during Winter Olympic hockey

VPN connections from Latvia surged dramatically over a 48-hour window, peaking at +151.2% above baseline on February 15 at 5:00 PM, nearly tripling usage.

Why the evening dips?

Connections dropped during late evening (Feb 15, ~20:00–23:00) then surged again on Feb 16 morning. This aligns perfectly with live sports viewing patterns. Fans connect during game windows and daytime Olympic broadcasts, then disconnect overnight when no live hockey is being played.

The hockey connection: Why Latvia went wild

Latvia's men's ice hockey team generated enormous national excitement during the exact window of the VPN spike:

The historic upset over Germany on February 14 was the catalyst. Reuters reported that Latvia forward Zemgus Girgensons , a decade-long NHL veteran currently with the Tampa Bay Lightning, called this "the best team they have had" and predicted they "will only get better."

This wave of national pride translated directly into streaming demand back home and the VPN data confirms it.

Why Sweden servers? The broadcast rights puzzle

The 2026 Winter Olympics broadcast landscape in Europe creates a clear incentive for VPN use:

SVT Play offers comprehensive, free Olympic streaming without a paywall. Multiple tech publications explicitly noted that "fans away from home can use a VPN to watch the free coverage from abroad." Gizmodo listed SVT Play as one of the top free channels for streaming the 2026 Winter Olympics.

For Latvian hockey fans wanting full, uninterrupted coverage of their team, connecting to a Sweden VPN server and accessing SVT Play was the logical choice, free, high-quality, and comprehensive.

Latvia's familiarity with VPNs

Latvia has an active media regulation environment. The National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) has blocked over 413 websites since 2022, primarily targeting Russian propaganda and disinformation outlets. This history of content restrictions means Latvian internet users are already familiar with VPN tools for accessing geo-restricted content, making the pivot to Swedish servers for Olympics streaming a natural behavior.

This context helps explain why the VPN response was so immediate and concentrated. Latvian users already had the tools installed and knew how to switch server locations.

What's next: Latvia fights for survival on Feb 17

The upcoming Latvia qualification play-off on February 17 may sustain or even increase this VPN spike. With Latvia fighting for survival in the tournament, national interest is at peak levels. If Latvia faces Sweden directly, the irony of Latvian fans using Swedish VPN servers to watch their team play against Sweden will make for a compelling data story.

⚠️ Users should be aware: Using VPNs to access geo-restricted streaming content is common practice but may violate the terms of service of certain streaming platforms.

Your Way Around It: VPN Super Unlimited Proxy

Don't miss a second of the action. Here's how to stream the Winter Olympics from anywhere:

Quick setup (takes 2 minutes)

Step 1: Download

• iOS: App Store → Search "Super Unlimited Proxy"
• Android: Google Play → Search "Super Unlimited Proxy"

Step 2: Install & Open

• Tap "Get Started"
• Allow VPN permissions (this protects you)

Step 3: Connect to Sweden

• Select Sweden from the server list
• Wait for the green shield
• Open SVT Play and stream

Best servers for Latvia users

For free Olympic streaming:

• Sweden — SVT Play, comprehensive free coverage
• UK — BBC iPlayer, free with account
• Norway — NRK TV, free full coverage

For paid Olympic streaming:

• US — Peacock/NBC
• Canada — CBC Gem (free)

💡 Pro tip: Our 10Gbps servers (marked with ⚡) give you blazing speeds — no buffering during sudden-death overtime.