Apparently, I opted in
Recently, my Modem/Router randomly disconnected from the Internet - I have known this to happen before, but it only happens rarely. I discovered that I was updating it’s firmware on the device, the BT HomeHub. The new update apparently, does bug fixes and what not but a new features they introduce which apparently is an opt-in option they automatically turned on.
It allows people to use my Internet connection if they are a BT Broadband customer and have selected the package option with free wifi minutes. okay - i don’t mind, but what I do mind is the sudden slow down of my internet because of this. I normally get roughly 6mb - not 5.7/8. They reserve a .2mb for people who want to use my Wifi. I have an issue with this:
- I live in a secluded location and they wifi doesn’t reach that far.
- I doubt anyone is going to rip out they’re laptop and use their wifi minutes here
I also have a worry of security - do these people have the same privileges on my network as me? Can they connect to my network? Can they key-log on my network? I will be buying a 3rd party modem and router - preferably a Apple Time Capsule so I can backup my macbook (which I fail to do) and to share a printer.
I am one customer who is annoyed with what BT has done.
4 Comments
Jonathan Cox on September 26th, 2008
I’ve also had internet speed problems on my Network, most of the time it’s really fast, the next minute i have only 1 bar of signal showing on my Mac.
Great post!
James Bayliss on September 26th, 2008
Jack - Feel free to subscribe, I shouldn’t have to ring a company up and ask for them to stop a service I didn’t subscribe to. 
Jon - Maybe you have some signal interference from phones or something, try changing the channel.
Jack Moore on September 28th, 2008
No, you shouldn’t have to ring up to stop a service you didn’t subscribe to, but for them signing you up, for a service which you didn’t subscribe to, gives reason for complaint.
Jack Moore on September 26th, 2008
Ooooh, I didn’t realise you had a blog.. *BOOKMARKS*.
That is kind of worrying, I wouldn’t be comfortable with strangers on my wireless network.
Surely, if they’re on your network, they can access your printer and other network peripherals?
I also agree with your comment about who would want to use their Wi-Fi minutes outside someone’s house, and how does BT know if they are existing BT customers, when attempting to connect to your network?
Anyway….maybe you should ring them up?