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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To wonder why anyone would think it's ok to use their neighbours broadband?

50 replies

Broadbandwoes · 19/10/2018 19:26

We live in a flat so the signal from everyone else's broadband shows up on our devices.

We have new neighbours and they've just been round to ask for our broadband code so they can use ours.

No reason why given (not that I can think of a valid reason anyway!)

What kind of cheeky fuckery is this?

Why would anyone think that was OK?

OP posts:

blackteasplease · 19/10/2018 20:26

It could actually be really serious if they committed any kind of offence on line - it would be really hard to prove it wasn't you.

But more likely scenario is that won't happen it's just utter C.F. ery.

You could say "oh we were just about to cancel it and ask for your code". But I like your response too.

NewPapaGuinea · 19/10/2018 20:29

Turn off broadcasting the network so no one knows it exists, except you.

fifig87 · 19/10/2018 20:36

I have used my neighbours before when I was changing providers and there was a big delay. Needed good internet for work!

Actually I'm pretty sure they are logged into mine too, from me helping them orders bits online.

SerenDippitty · 19/10/2018 20:41

The same people who wouldn’t tell a restaurant they’d been undercharged...

Ta1kinpeace · 19/10/2018 20:45

When standing in the hall of my Dad's apartment block I could see over 20 Wifi networks

one of which was called
FuckOffandByYourOwn
lol

LeftRightCentre · 19/10/2018 20:54

A lot of people are chancers. The fact that they were so rude and just demanded it would make it an automatic 'no' from me.

Mehaveit · 19/10/2018 21:00

My MIL lived in an old house surrounded by a courtyard of neighbours. Her walls were so thick her broadband on one side of the house didn't filter through the walls to the courtyard side. So she asked her neighbour if she could have his code while she was in her kitchen. And he said yes! She was always unlikely to be downloading illegal music.

Original poster

Broadbandwoes · 19/10/2018 21:01

Turn off broadcasting the network so no one knows it exists, except you.

How does that work?

If you dont broadcast it how do you pick it up yourself?

OP posts:

anitagreen · 19/10/2018 21:03

Does anyone know how I can actually change the name on my wifi?x

NewPapaGuinea · 19/10/2018 21:06

You need to enter the ssid (network name) manually.

GraceMarks · 19/10/2018 21:31

A neighbour once asked me for my wifi code. He'd just moved in and he came round laying it on really thick about how he hardly ever saw his kid and he wouldn't be able to Skype her unless he could use my internet. He then offered to pay me £20 per month! I pointed out that I was only paying that to my ISP and if he could afford it he might as well just get his own. He looked at me like I'd just thought of something unbearably clever and wandered off, stunned.

Twolittlebears · 19/10/2018 21:49

@Broadbandwoes the router still broadcasts the signal just not your network name. You then have to tell your devices your network name so they can connect.

Original poster

Broadbandwoes · 19/10/2018 21:57

Well who knew! Thanks - I'll do that anyway.

However CF wouldn't know which network was mine - he just assumed one was and that he could use it.

OP posts:

TinselKitten · 19/10/2018 21:57

Write down a fake code for them. Then when they come back saying it doesn’t work, say “No, no, that’s it, keep trying”. Rinse and repeat ...

malmi · 19/10/2018 22:02

I've done this for a new neighbour while waiting for their broadband to get sorted. And I've refused it when another new neighbour knocked on my door and just demanded 'the WiFi password'. There's no blanket rule.

Nithead · 19/10/2018 22:12

😅 I remember this happened to me. New neighbour started suggesting we go halves on WiFi. Husband and I BAFFLED and when we start to say how that wouldn't work for us, new neighbour acts like we are the strange ones saying how expensive it is and he's just trying to give us half...

Jaxhog · 19/10/2018 22:25

What next - diverting our electricity supply?

We actually had to do this, when our mains cable failed. The leccy used a huge cable with the biggest crocodile clips I've ever seen. Clipped to the mains side of their meter. Our other neighbour refused us.

Jaxhog · 19/10/2018 22:27

We probably would share our wifi too, if it came to an emergency. But we've been neighbours for many years, and we (mostly) get on.

But a random request from a stranger? No way!

Wonkypalmtree · 19/10/2018 22:35

Is there a chance that they thought that it was communal broadband?

Scrumptiousbears · 19/10/2018 22:49

A family member borrowed her neighbours WiFi for a few days when hers went down. She then continued to use it and cancelled her broadband. CF indeed.

echt · 19/10/2018 23:27

I suppose this is the 21st century equivalent of borrowing a cup of sugar.

Parky04 · 19/10/2018 23:37

We have enough devices connected to the Wi-fi don't need any more clogging up the network!

MrsStrowman · 19/10/2018 23:41

I lived in the same student house for two years, so in the second year we already had broadband, the house next door, new neighbours, asked very nicely if they could use ours until theirs was installed (about 4 weeks) we said yes, they kept us well supplied with wine. Wouldn't have done it if our broadband wasn't pretty stable and decent for the time, and they asked very nicely even saying we completely get it if it will slow down your speeds etc and you say no. When theirs was installed they never used ours again.

Indie139 · 20/10/2018 12:24

Ive only done this once and thats because the guy was moving out in a couple days and he had had everything in his flat cut off. However if it had been someone just casually asking to use it on a long term basis then no way, pay for it like everyone else!

Johnnyfinland · 20/10/2018 12:27

Sounds like they asked in a rude manner but like others have said I’m not really seeing the problem if they’ve just moved in or are having a fault with their own. I’ve asked neighbours when I’d newly moved into a flat and they gave it to me without an issue. I’d do the same for new neighbours. It’s not like it costs more because someone else is using it! Plus you can just change the password after a week. Not sure what the big problem is

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