Only word of warning is that if you decide to return to Sky at any point they won't send you a router as they believe you already have one. I gave my old one away and when I went back to Sky wondered why they didn't send me a new one... They did send one for free in the end but I was without Internet for about 4 days because of it.

Reply from Sky E-mail Support:

Thank you for contacting Sky Help Centre.
In answer to your question,out with your years manufacturers warranty router replacements are chargeable. The equipment is not rented but owned by the customer so out with warranty is the customers responsibility to maintain. In regards to the use of a non Sky router we do not assist with the use, set up or providing log in details for the use of the routers but if a customer chooses to try and use one they can but if you were to have any faults in the future with your broadband we would not be able to troubleshoot a non Sky router.

So they officially allow non-Sky routers now then? When did that policy change?

In reply to a post by Kiggs:

Reply from Sky E-mail Support:

Thank you for contacting Sky Help Centre.
In answer to your question,out with your years manufacturers warranty router replacements are chargeable. The equipment is not rented but owned by the customer so out with warranty is the customers responsibility to maintain. In regards to the use of a non Sky router we do not assist with the use, set up or providing log in details for the use of the routers but if a customer chooses to try and use one they can but if you were to have any faults in the future with your broadband we would not be able to troubleshoot a non Sky router.

Good question Adamant. I've not bothered using my own router as they have never been clear on their position. I use separate wireless access points so the router is just doing the wired connections which it is OK at but might want to change it at a later date for a better router.

In reply to a post by Adamant:

So they officially allow non-Sky routers now then? When did that policy change?

They don't officially allow it, they unofficially allow it. It's almost impossible to get your PPPoA login details from Sky staff, but they will say there are ways of doing it "on Google".

In reply to a post by Sadoldman:

What is not clear to me is what happens when the equipment they supplied breaks down out of warranty. I do feel that at the initial sign up that information should be provided, with an indication of likely costs of replacement as it has a bearing on the suitability of the contract....... facts you need to know....... for it is at their insistence that their equipment is used.......a condition that extends beyond the initial contract period.

I agree, during sign up you are told you have a free router. What is not made fully clear is that in the event of a router failure after 12 months, you are obliged to purchase a new router from Sky without being able to enter the free market.

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

In reply to a post by Sadoldman:

What is not clear to me is what happens when the equipment they supplied breaks down out of warranty. I do feel that at the initial sign up that information should be provided, with an indication of likely costs of replacement as it has a bearing on the suitability of the contract....... facts you need to know....... for it is at their insistence that their equipment is used.......a condition that extends beyond the initial contract period.

I agree, during sign up you are told you have a free router. What is not made fully clear is that in the event of a router failure after 12 months, you are obliged to purchase a new router from Sky without being able to enter the free market.

My answer to that would be provide me with the login details in order to use a router of my choosing, or send me a replacement free of charge, or i'll be moving to an isp who will

In reply to a post by tommy45:

My answer to that would be provide me with the login details in order to use a router of my choosing, or send me a replacement free of charge, or i'll be moving to an isp who will

It's a shame that it would have to come to threats, but I suppose in many cases it does.

There are many Sky subscribers who use their own routers. Unfortunately one of the most popular sites for getting your Log in details from the Sky router is down at the moment. It should be back up in the early New Year.

There are instructions elsewhere on the Internet on what to do once you have the details.

Whilst technically it is against Sky's T&Cs to use your own router, they do not appear to be in the habit of punishing people for this task.

As for replacement out-of-warranty routers, there are fixed prices:

WiFi g router : £28 (inc postage)
WiFi n router : £35 (inc postage)

You may get an adviser who will not charge you the £28 for an old-style router, but they are currently unable to supply the WiFi n router for free.

So if the OP was asked to pay £35, then I suggest it was for the WiFi n router and that this should have been made clear.

There was no mention of a g router at £28. She said I would have to pay £35.