Broadband working prior to activation?

[tr0ublegum]

Hi guys,

I need some advice if you wouldn’t mind. My router arrived today and I plugged it in because I wanted to see if I could set up our wi-fi network, although I wasn’t expecting to connect to the internet. While I was plugging stuff in I thought I might as well plug the DSL cable into the router and phone socket. I then checked that my PC and iPhone could pick up the wi-fi signal – but in doing so I realised that I had a working internet connection!

Great… but my activation date is 27th May. So we’re not talking about a couple of days early, this is well over a month!! What’s happening? I think the previous occupants of my flat had a Sky broadband connection, so am I actually using their broadband service, or is it possible mine has been activated this far ahead?

This might be a n00b concern but I’m worried about getting a bill for using broadband before I’m technically supposed to be able to…. Could that happen?

[Scubbie]

BTO often connect a new BB customer prior to the activation date.

If everything is live and working, then go ahead and use it.

Leave your router connected all the time, but be aware that you may have the occasional disconnection between now and the activation date.

[User05]

I think the previous occupants of my flat had a Sky broadband connection, so am I actually using their broadband service

A lot more likely.

[Isitme]

I think you are probably using the previous occupiers account. The line is often enabled a few days before, but not over a month. That begs the question of why you are having to wait so long on your official connection. If the line is enabled for ADSL, it does not matter who by, it should only take a few minutes to swap it to your account.

I would carry on using it, chances are the previous occupant was on Unlimited, so it will not matter to them or you The only problem would come if the previous occupant has not cancelled the broadband so will continue to be charged for it, but that is their problem, not yours, as they would be charged whether it was being used or not.

[Scubbie]

It's also true to say that Sky don't always actually disconnect a BB line immediately.

[tr0ublegum]

Thanks guys. Think I'll carry on then.

[SkyCST]

Like other people have stated sky do not immediately disconnect lines.

Possibly a case of Left In Jumpers from dslam.
So line is still hooked up in the exchange.

May as well carry on using it, because when they cancel broadband it puts a cease on the router.

So another router not deactivated will work on a line that is cancelled, aslong as the jumpers are still connected which in most cases are.

Hope that helps.