Sky Broadband Draconian Controls

ChrisPay

I have just wasted hours of my time dealing with Sky only to have to cancel my new broadband contract at the last minute because they refused to provide me with the broadband username and password so I could use my own router. Not even BT has a problem in providing this information. EE are also happy to supply.


Anyone planning on using their own router with Sky beware! There are instructions on the Internet on how to "sniff" the password from the router using Wireshark however out of principle I decided I wouldn't do this. As consumers we aught to be able to choose what router we use - the supplied units are very basic and don't have many of the features that we have grown accustom to using i.e. VoIP.


Anyway I am staying with BT and I suggest others in the same position to the same.

JJ_Egan

Cannot set DNS on BT Home hub 5 .

flashg67

I agree it's odd, but seems to have been the case for a long time - it's put me off joining them in the past.

duchy

I don't think it's odd - It's just the way Sky have chosen to do business.
The attitude with a third party router is. "We won't give support to a third party router but we will turn a blind eye if you do -just don't expect us to support the (third party) router." The more experienced advisors will hint to customers how to do it but aren't going to say it outright.

Frankly the OP knew that it is possible and how to find the info so it sounds like he was just been bloody minded. Why on earth ring up for something you know a company can't provide (but won't stop you doing it IF you have the savvy to know how to ). Let alone "waste hours" on it despite admitting they knew it was the case already.

Too many people *think* they know a lot about the internet - but when push comes to shove they don't. Sky's way of doing things means that those with enough enough knowledge can get around it but those who only think they can fall at the first fence - so by default will have a router that WILL be supported -which is more appropriate to their knowledge and ability level.

Sounds like win win to me

Different providers offer different things - the smart customer uses the company that best serves their needs. For some Sky works for them for others another provider is more appropriate. I'm not sure what the OP's issue is TBH. Plenty of consumer choice out there !

Sun-Is-Fun

It's fairly easy to get the password from the Sky router. There is a tutorial on how to do this on the skyuser website.

Agree, though, you should just be given it !