Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

[jamie allan]

[gregles]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

Very interesting Jamie. When my neighbours have their bt hub switched on I can get access to the same btfon etc should I wish.

I am actually considering changing my isp at the moment to anyone other than talktalk who have not been able to provide a stable service and was considering bt.

Just wondering Jamie. If you have signed up to share your bandwith then are you getting a discount from bt?

[jamie allan]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

Very interesting Jamie. When my neighbours have their bt hub switched on I can get access to the same btfon etc should I wish.

I am actually considering changing my isp at the moment to anyone other than talktalk who have not been able to provide a stable service and was considering bt.

Just wondering Jamie. If you have signed up to share your bandwith then are you getting a discount from bt?

[Zuiko]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

My wif'es laptop often automatically connects to OpenZone instead of the Home Hub. No problems with my PC, I'm still attached to the hub by cable, despite BT trying to persuade me I'd be better off connecting wirelessly.

[andym]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

My wif'es laptop often automatically connects to OpenZone instead of the Home Hub. No problems with my PC, I'm still attached to the hub by cable, despite BT trying to persuade me I'd be better off connecting wirelessly.

I used to work for them and I wouldn't trust 'em.That said they have just upgraded me to Infinity broadband for the same price as option 3(used not to have to pay at all when I worked for them).Can't say I notice the download being much quicker although I expect it is but the upload is great,pictures zip up onto websites in a flash.

[Andel]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

I am with BT and am signed up to the FON service, I am logged on to it at work at the moment, I have logged on and used it in several places in the country.I don't see a problem with anyone sharing my bandwith as long as it does not affect my download speeds.


Len

[jamie allan]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

I am with BT and am signed up to the FON service, I am logged on to it at work at the moment, I have logged on and used it in several places in the country.I don't see a problem with anyone sharing my bandwith as long as it does not affect my download speeds.


Len

Len,
Firstly I think I'd like to be asked next time before they share out my WiFi - and they didn't ask - I would have turned down their request anyway.
Secondly they state that they will offer up to 512k of bandwidth to anyone accessing another BT FON subscribed WiFi service. That would be 10% of my measured download speed and 80% of my upload speed - albeit that they have a caveat that the home user gets priority. Thirdly I'd be wary of possible security issues. Lastly I'd be wary of what information a 3rd party was downloading using my ISP connection - even if I can't see it I wouldn't want my service being used for anything untoward.

[E-P1 fan]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

Simple answer - don't use Wi-Fi. I have a BT Home hub too but I insist on it being wired only. My bandwidth isn't sufficient to share with anyone else and I never use wireless elsewhere either - too security concious.

I'd love the convenience of wireless but I don't trust BT or anyone else enough to use wireless

[DerekW]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

It is fascinating how the great unwashed have taken to WiFi as being better than broadband and the computer being connected via a cable (ethernet lead) to the router. That people leave the WiFI transmission on even if they do not an unconnected computer (even if it is password protected).

[Andel]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

My home PC is connected via ethernet cable but I use BT FON wi-fi on my laptop or netpad when I am out and about.

Len

[Howi]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

Nothing wrong with using Wifi, provided you are sensible about security.
I have multiple devices connected via both ethernet and wireless (not on the same device!) for the flexibility it offers.
Use WPA rather than WEP security if you are paranoid, as WEP can be reverse engineered quite easily given time, also don't broadcast your SSID.
Why would anyone want to hack into YOUR wifi network anyway?
There is nothing wrong in being security concious but a sensible aproach meeans you can enjoy the benefits of technology AND be secure at the same time.
Now, on to BT, BT never just gives you what YOU want, I have had multiple installations of BT business broadband, with this you get the broadband you asked for + BT Fusion + BT Openzone + BT mobile broadband, NON of these Extras being asked for and have to be disabled by YOU.
You may be getting the impression I am not too enamoured with BT....
having worked for them for 33 years ( I got out years ago) the customer ONLY matters when they are paying their bill, at all other times you are just an inconvenience or a sales target. I have to deal with BT in a professional capacity almost every day - one reason i am looking forward to retirement
I had better stop now before I get into my stride, I would only bore you all to death...

[jamie allan]

[emirpprime]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

I seem to remember some controversy a while ago when a software update enabled the FON feature. Technically you accepted it by accepting the update - although that is certainly morally rubbish, especially as they don't tell you what is in the update unless you look for yourself, and probably legally dubious too.

Anyway. If you want to turn it off try here for some instructions: http://community.bt.com/t5/BB-in-Hom...C-p/td-p/21323

Personally I try to steer clear of BT broadband, but my parents use it with BT Vision and it works for them. I'd always take fibre over copper if you are lucky enough to have a choice.

[emirpprime]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

My wif'es laptop often automatically connects to OpenZone instead of the Home Hub. No problems with my PC, I'm still attached to the hub by cable, despite BT trying to persuade me I'd be better off connecting wirelessly.

If your wife's laptop choosing OpenZone is a problem - you should be able to set Home Hub as the top entry in network preferences to make it always prefer it to OpenZone.

[Zuiko]

Re: Beware BTBroadband Add Ons

You may be getting the impression I am not too enamoured with BT....
having worked for them for 33 years ( I got out years ago) the customer ONLY matters when they are paying their bill, at all other times you are just an inconvenience or a sales target. mad:

Sounds just like banking!