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AIBU?

To ask neighbour if I can use his wifi?

326 replies

Foliageeverywhere122 · 21/11/2020 17:36

Just moved into a new flat by myself.

The earliest I can get wifi is not until next Fri (and even that's with lots of pestering to sky..) .

Would I be a total CF to ask neighbour if it would be possible to use his wifi until then? I would be really happy to pay however much he thought was reasonable and thought I could give him my number so that if it turns out 2 people on it means it's too slow for him I would stop using it!

I honestly think I will go mad if I have to sit in silence for a week. I've been alone since march and (sad as it seems) I've really found having podcasts/netflix playing in the background makes me feel less lonely and anxious. I've had already had to pay for 8GB data but need to keep that for work - it should be just enough for next week with a couple of video calls but def not for anything else! No TV so I can't drown out the silence that way...

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BettysSpaghetti · 21/11/2020 17:37

You would be a CF in the extreme!

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LIZS · 21/11/2020 17:38

Yabu, either hold out for a few days or buy more mobile data.

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StartingGrid · 21/11/2020 17:38

EE used to do a device that acted as a router for a monthly fee, if he says no (or you don't have the guts to ask!) may be worth exploring?

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39weekswithno2 · 21/11/2020 17:39

I wouldn't mind but I know lots of people would. Btw your work should surely pay for your data used for work?

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Foliageeverywhere122 · 21/11/2020 17:41

@BettysSpaghetti

Even if I offered to pay say, £30? And said I totally understand if it's not possible!

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hungrywalrus · 21/11/2020 17:41

There’s no harm in asking. They can always say no and I’m sure they won’t bite. Maybe bring them some biscuits or something to introduce yourself.

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Pebbledashery · 21/11/2020 17:41

It's a tad cheeky.. I'm sure when he moved in and had to wait for broadband he didn't ask his neighbour to tether off his router!

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ReneeRol · 21/11/2020 17:42

No way. Don't ask. Read a book. Or get a friend to download some stuff onto a hard drive for you.

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EggysMom · 21/11/2020 17:42

I honestly think I will go mad if I have to sit in silence for a week. I've been alone since march and (sad as it seems) I've really found having podcasts/netflix playing in the background makes me feel less lonely and anxious.

Play music. Put the radio on. Watch DVDs.
Or is absolutely all of your entertainment online through a data connection?

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madroid · 21/11/2020 17:42

Put the radio on. Download the BBC Sounds app.

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DDiva · 21/11/2020 17:43

I do think its a bit cheeky and not an ideal way to introduce yourself to the new neighbour.

If you're employed can you ask your work to cover more data on expenses.....

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Foliageeverywhere122 · 21/11/2020 17:43

@Pebbledashery

Agh I totally agree BUT it's just the lockdown/living alone aspect that is making me feel maybe acceptable on this occasion? Usually you'd be able to go out sit in cafe or go round to a friends for socialisation and to use wifi if you were totally stuck

I'm completely on the fence as to whether it's absolute CF territory so do agree with all perspectives!

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RedMarauder · 21/11/2020 17:44

While most ISPs are being lax in their fair use policies at the moment, due to a large amount of people WFH your neighbour would not want you using the internet when they are working particularly if they are having online meetings.

Due to the pandemic people are working more flexible times so I suggest you invest in a 4G mobile broadband router

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AlmostAJillSandwich · 21/11/2020 17:44

Why not just buy an extra data bundle from your mobile provider? Surely the £30 you would offer him will be plenty?

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NailsNeedDoing · 21/11/2020 17:44

No one really wants to give out their WiFi to strangers, it’s rude to put someone in the position of having to consider it.

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Ribrabrob · 21/11/2020 17:44

I don’t think you’re unreasonable to ask, might be a nice way to make a new friend too (if that’s what you want). Just make sure it’s not the first thing you ask and that you exchange a few social pleasantries first! Smile

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thedevilinablackdress · 21/11/2020 17:45

Extremely CF I'm afraid. Listen to the radio for background sounds?

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Svelteinmydreams · 21/11/2020 17:45

It’s very CF and potentially risky for your neighbour so I would never ask, nor offer.

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RichardMarxisinnocent · 21/11/2020 17:45

You don't need WiFi to have music or talking in the background. Do you have or could you buy a radio?

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AdobeWanKenobi · 21/11/2020 17:45

Get yourself a dongle or up your phone data and tether to that. Not a hope would I give you my Wifi password to a stranger you could be downloading or streaming anything.

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BeingATwatItsABingThing · 21/11/2020 17:45

I would be worried about you continuing to use it after the week is up.

If you’re willing to pay £30, that should surely cover buying more data.

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Ragwort · 21/11/2020 17:45

You can get temporary data, not sure how exactly but my DB moved and got a very reasonable daily rate for a few days ....

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AlwaysLatte · 21/11/2020 17:45

Surely with a new move you can occupy yourself with decorating and moving in? If not I'd get a cheap smart TV that you can use afterwards and some dvds from the supermarket to tide me over. I don't think I could bring myself to ask to latch on to a stranger's WiFi!

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WorraLiberty · 21/11/2020 17:45

I wouldn't let a stranger have my wifi password.

If they were tech savvy, they could easily hack my accounts.

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nancybotwinbloom · 21/11/2020 17:45

Maybe I'm just naive but if you were my neighbor I would let you.

I think by offering to pay your showing them your not a cheeky fucker.

However it's hard for some people to say no face to face so maybe it might be ok to write them a note and explaining?

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