diff --git a/datacontainer.cpp b/datacontainer.cpp
index 7b3e9464b..d6b36dcce 100644
--- a/datacontainer.cpp
+++ b/datacontainer.cpp
@@ -174,6 +174,18 @@ void DataContainer::checkForUpdate()
     }
 }
 
+void DataContainer::forceImmediateUpdate()
+{
+    if (d->dirty) {
+        d->dirty = false;
+        emit dataUpdated(objectName(), d->data);
+    }
+
+    foreach (SignalRelay *relay, d->relays) {
+        relay->forceImmediateUpdate();
+    }
+}
+
 uint DataContainer::timeSinceLastUpdate() const
 {
     //FIXME: we still assume it's been <24h
diff --git a/datacontainer.h b/datacontainer.h
index 435e6bbf4..746a957d1 100644
--- a/datacontainer.h
+++ b/datacontainer.h
@@ -131,6 +131,12 @@ class PLASMA_EXPORT DataContainer : public QObject
          **/
         void disconnectVisualization(QObject *visualization);
 
+        /**
+         * Forces immediate update signals to all visualizations
+         * @since 4.4
+         */
+        void forceImmediateUpdate();
+
     Q_SIGNALS:
         /**
          * Emitted when the data has been updated, allowing visualizations to
diff --git a/dataengine.cpp b/dataengine.cpp
index 65fe352cc..a61c5f835 100644
--- a/dataengine.cpp
+++ b/dataengine.cpp
@@ -400,6 +400,13 @@ void DataEngine::updateAllSources()
     scheduleSourcesUpdated();
 }
 
+void DataEngine::forceImmediateUpdateOfAllVisualizations()
+{
+    foreach (DataContainer *source, d->sources) {
+        source->forceImmediateUpdate();
+    }
+}
+
 void DataEngine::setIcon(const QString &icon)
 {
     d->icon = icon;
diff --git a/dataengine.h b/dataengine.h
index e8c448e9b..1a60c2aba 100644
--- a/dataengine.h
+++ b/dataengine.h
@@ -443,6 +443,18 @@ class PLASMA_EXPORT DataEngine : public QObject
          */
         void updateAllSources();
 
+        /**
+         * Forces an immediate update to all connected sources, even those with
+         * timeouts that haven't yet expired. This should _only_ be used when
+         * there was no data available, e.g. due to network non-availability,
+         * and then it becomes available. Normal changes in data values due to
+         * calls to updateSource or in the natural progression of the monitored
+         * object (e.g. CPU heat) should not result in a call to this method!
+         *
+         * @since 4.4
+         */
+        void forceImmediateUpdateOfAllVisualizations();
+
     private:
         friend class DataEnginePrivate;
         friend class DataEngineScript;
diff --git a/private/datacontainer_p.cpp b/private/datacontainer_p.cpp
index af48719eb..d3551dc33 100644
--- a/private/datacontainer_p.cpp
+++ b/private/datacontainer_p.cpp
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ int SignalRelay::receiverCount() const
     return receivers(SIGNAL(dataUpdated(QString,Plasma::DataEngine::Data)));
 }
 
-bool SignalRelay::isUnused()
+bool SignalRelay::isUnused() const
 {
     return receivers(SIGNAL(dataUpdated(QString,Plasma::DataEngine::Data))) < 1;
 }
@@ -129,6 +129,12 @@ void SignalRelay::checkQueueing()
     }
 }
 
+void SignalRelay::forceImmediateUpdate()
+{
+    emit dataUpdated(dc->objectName(), d->data);
+    m_queued = false;
+}
+
 void SignalRelay::timerEvent(QTimerEvent *event)
 {
     if (event->timerId() != m_timerId) {
diff --git a/private/datacontainer_p.h b/private/datacontainer_p.h
index 416d01e85..63ac68461 100644
--- a/private/datacontainer_p.h
+++ b/private/datacontainer_p.h
@@ -58,10 +58,11 @@ public:
                 uint ival, Plasma::IntervalAlignment align, bool immediateUpdate);
 
     int receiverCount() const;
-    bool isUnused();
+    bool isUnused() const;
 
     void checkAlignment();
     void checkQueueing();
+    void forceImmediateUpdate();
 
     DataContainer *dc;
     DataContainerPrivate *d;