Why does Sky care what equipment I use? (Quick Qs about using my own equipment)

[PaulSky]

Unfortunately all customers would expect support no matter what equipment they used even if it was equipment they supplied themselves. Sky expect customers to use only the supplied equipment as it simplifies the support for it and reduces issues.
If Sky were to allow customers to use what ever router they prefered and then stated that they would offer no support at all for those customers how do you think that would go down?

[NATO]

I agree with you, however other broadband companies (BT for example), will supply customers with a router and support them as necessary. If you ring up and ask for support they will inform you that they can only support routers they have supplied and that you will have to contact the manufacturer of your particular router. This approach is a common sense approach which means inexperienced users are supported, but knowledgeable users can use their own equipment and support themselves.

The only difference between Sky and everybody else is that they have a clause in their terms and conditions which specifically states that you CAN'T use your own equipment (although barely enforced if at all).

My point is that Sky have absolutely nothing to gain from this stance because anyone not using a Sky router is denied support anyway, the same as with other companies such as BT. The difference is that Sky technically have the right to disconnect you for doing so.

Personally I think they've put that clause in there to deal with people who might use a piece of equipment which negatively affects the network (not a standard router but some other device), thus giving them the power to disconnect the user once detected. I honestly don't think it's aimed at normal people using off-the-shelf routers.

[Undecided Adrian]

Considering UKOnline which uses the easynet network also allows you to use your own kit unsupported, so if Sky think they are protecting their network from potentially dodgy equipment is leaving themselves wide open with another ISP doing things differently.

when I signed up I asked in advanced could I use my own router and was told by the sales person I was free to use whatever router I want.

It's all well and good having it the T&C's but if sales haven't got a clue or will say anything for a sale it's just going to get peoples backs up when they find out otherwise.

[PaulSky]

Sales are there to do one thing and they aren't gonna tell you no if it means you don't take a contract. If all the people told incorrectly that they can use their own router were to actually complain directly to customer relations they may clamp down on sales. It happens too often and needs addressing.

[IWasNotTheEnemy]

Originally Posted by NATO

I can understand that Sky would refuse support on non-Sky supplied equipment - all ISPs do the same thing, but disallowing people from using their own equipment outright is a step too far in my opinion (and possibly illegal). Besides, they'd only be hurting themselves if they started threatening people about it, ADSL broadband is a big market and there are plenty of other companies out there who are happy to take on a new customer!

And there are over 3 million Sky BB users, so upsetting the few using their own router is barely gonna bother them...

Personally, I think you should be able to use your own router - but I don't see why you'd need to...Here's my reasoning...

I use the Sky V2 Netgear DG934 router, have ethernet routed to 3 rooms in the house (this was before the arrival of homeplugs) and have turned off the wireless on the router. This negates the argument for using another router because I want to use N-Class (wireless is wireless end of the day - crap!!)

I don't share files over my network, so gigabit ethernet is also pointless - as it is for 99% of BB users - normal ethernet is fine for streaming HD content should the need arise...

QoS - yeah, ok this is the ONE thing I could do with as for some reason IF someone wants to use the wireless it makes ALL ethernet connections crawl - so would be nice to limit bandwidth in such an instance...

As for the firewall - don't use it. My PC is on the DMZ and I use a 3rd party firewall on my PC so wanting to use another router due to firewall issues is irrelevant...this means forwarding ports isn't a problem as they're all open!!

If someone is THAT desperate/sad to hack me - so be it...there's nothing saved on this PC of any use to anyone, and anything that is is protected with the finger print reader on the PC...

End of the day, people just don't like someone else being in control - and as you're so few and far between Sky won't care if you leave or not...

[Smithy99]

Bottom line is that you know the rules regarding the router so should stick by them. If you don't then that is your call but don't be to surprised if one day you are called on it.

[HSNetwork]

Originally Posted by NATO

Downstream Rate: 6137 Kbps
Upstream Rate: 765 Kbps
Downstream Margin: 7db
Upstream Margin: 15db
Downstream Line Attenuation: 46
Upstream Line Attenuation: 52
Downstream Transmit Power: 22
Upstream Transmit Power: 10

Your upstream attenuation doesnt look right though I think youll find this is a bug in the firmware for your router (I suffer the same with my D-Link).

Originally Posted by IAmNotTheEnemy

- but I don't see why you'd need to...Here's my reasoning...

There are instances though where it is needed. My scenario was that the netgear router and sagem both constantly had random disconnections. it could be 2 minutes apart, 3 hours apart or even a day apart. Guessing it was like playing the Euro Millions.
Every time I went to watch a program on iPlayer id get 7 minutes in and a disconnect, so then had to start over. The router then kept knocking the speed down and down and down. First 6.5mb, then 5 mb, then 4 then 2 then 0.5mb and still it was cutting off.

I put my D-Link on (after a very kind CST agent told me my username and password back in Dec 07 for the new V2 router) and voila, 6.1 Mb no drop outs. Its been solid ever since.

In most instances the sky equipment should be fine ill agree. But skylose hold of the fact there are many who know what they are doing and those that know what works on their line and what doesnt. So it should be freedom of choice as you said.

Take O2 or Be. When I asked them they said "Your welcome to use your own equipment. If you need support though we may need you to put our router on so we can perform tests, but outside of this your welcome to use whatever you feel is right".
It wouldnt hurt sky really to implement the same train of thought (although I know they arent actively yet seeking out anyone not using a sky router and disconnecting them).

Sorry if I sound narcked, lol, didnt mean to Just sharing my views / thoughts.

[NATO]

Cheers for the post, very informative This is the 10th day since my initial connection and the line speed seems to gone up a little, here's the stats. I'm thinking that with the 7db Downstream margin that's really as fast as I'm going to get with this line (modem connected directly to master socket through an ADSLNation filtered faceplate using their Pro+ cable)?

DSL Status: UP
DSL Modulation Mode: Auto
DSL Path Mode: INTERLEAVED
Downstream Rate: 7049 Kbps
Upstream Rate: 765 Kbps
Downstream Margin: 7 db
Upstream Margin: 15 db
Downstream Line Attenuation: 46
Upstream Line Attenuation: 53
Downstream Transmit Power: 22
Upstream Transmit Power: 9
LOS Errors: 0

[Old_nick]

The solution is quite simple..... just keep the Sky router just in case you ever need to phone Sky support. That's what I've done for the last 18 months.