hetzel.net

Forced Router Choice

This translation was generated automatically.

What mandatory router choice means in the case of Kabel Deutschland:

Under my current contract, I apparently get to choose among three devices. Naturally, they’re rented:

  • A plastic junk router without Wi-Fi (included)
  • A plastic junk router with Wi-Fi (small surcharge: €2/month, free with online orders)
  • A Fritz!Box (larger surcharge: €5/month)

What if I just want a simple modem?

I can enable that in KDG’s customer portal. The web service then reconfigures my box. Creepy? Exactly.

KDG bridge mode

This also shows that the Wi-Fi/no-Wi-Fi option comes from the configuration file the box downloads from the network at boot. The hardware supports Wi-Fi; the provider simply disables it on command.

In practice, there are apparently ways around this, and you can get an eBay Fritz!Box working on your own connection. But by Kabel Deutschland’s reckoning, the only technically acceptable router costs €120 in rental fees over the contract. If it lasts longer than that, it turns a profit.

Telekom is handing its competitors a perfect advertising opportunity:

This is how you advertise internet. @kabelbw @deutschetelekom @timohetzel #keinedrossel #kabelbw photo — deKay, July 9, 2013

I’m looking forward to the day an ISP advertises itself with these words:

A cable with internet. No nonsense.