Why do I get Ziggo TV for free if I am not a customer ?

[Verwijderd]

Apologies for writing this in English, my Dutch is not very good...

I am renting an apartment and I get Internet through Tele2 (VDSL2). A few days ago I noticed a SQ601 splitter on a wall and after looking up online I noticed it was from Ziggo. I was curious and plugged the TV output to my TV and to my surprise I am receiving TV through DVB-C, I only had to choose the correct frequency on my TV.

Is Ziggo not able to switch off the signal once it was on or they simply do not care ?

Is there any chance they didn't kill the Internet data signal too ? I am thinking getting a cheap docsis modem to try it.

In any case I was thinking switching to Ziggo as I am getting packet loss around 10% with Tele2 every evening, latency is quite important for me. I am getting 8ms right now with Tele2 to the next router (the one causing the packet loss in the evening) which I think is quite good for VDSL2, what can I expect with Ziggo and a coax cable ?

[scrappy.doo]

You can probably only get the public channels for free (NPO1, NPO2, NPO3). If you try to switch to a commercial channel, like RTL4 or SBS6, it'll probably tell you the channel is encrypted (or something along those lines).

[The Zep Man]

Verwijderd schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:44:
Is Ziggo not able to switch off the signal once it was on or they simply do not care ?

They do not care. Cutting you off from broadcast TV and potentially reconnecting later costs them more money. You will be able to receive all free-to-air channels.

Is there any chance they didn't kill the Internet data signal too ? I am thinking getting a cheap docsis modem to try it.

Cable modems are (provider-side) bound to specific customers. A random cable modem will not be able to login.

what can I expect with Ziggo and a coax cable ?

Why ask here? Look it up!

[ Voor 11% gewijzigd door The Zep Man op 14-04-2020 08:54 ]

[Verwijderd]

scrappy.doo schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:47:
You can probably only get the public channels for free (NPO1, NPO2, NPO3). If you try to switch to a commercial channel, like RTL4 or SBS6, it'll probably tell you the channel is encrypted (or something along those lines).

It actually also works with commercial channels, including Ziggo Sport and international channels.

[rclahsen]

The last resident had possibly a tv-subscription with Ziggo. When you moved in the apartment, Ziggo doesn't cut off the signal directly, because many people already have subscribed to Ziggo. Keeping a signal alive, will prevent complaints about having no tv at the new apartment.

But if you don't subscribe, Ziggo will cut off the signal. Internet won't work with a second hand modem, because modems will only work if they are handed out by Ziggo and are registered with an active subscription.

[The Zep Man]

Verwijderd schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:50:
It actually also works with commercial channels, including Ziggo Sport and international channels.

All these channels are free-to-air. Most of them will be broadcast in SD resolution.

[ Voor 7% gewijzigd door The Zep Man op 14-04-2020 08:54 ]

[Nielson]

Verwijderd schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:50:
[...]
It actually also works with commercial channels, including Ziggo Sport and international channels.

It's for the HD versions (except NPO1/2/3) that you will need a subscription.

[Verwijderd]

The Zep Man schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:49:
[...]
They do not care. Cutting you off from broadcast TV and potentially reconnecting later costs them more money. You will be able to receive all free-to-air channels.

[...]
Cable modems are (provider-side) bound to specific customers. A random cable modem will not be able to login.

[...]
Why ask here? Look it up!

Thank you! I am getting more than just NPO, also commercial channels, basically anything not requiring the CI+ module.

Good to know regarding the modem, that's what I suspected too.

Last question, when I receive my installation package from them, is there any real need to replace the SQ601 splitter? Their website says so to put the POA splitter instead, but I feel like the only difference is that the recent one are just slightly better in term of noise isolation. I'd rather not mess with it if mine works correctly.

[prutser001]

There's a possibility they will send you a letter saying asking you to use their services, either that or a bill saying you have been using their services for the past x months/years. I had the same when i moved in my current apartment.

After a few months they send a letter saying 'You are using our services but not paying for them'. Returned the card that i didn't want/need their services, and after a few years i got a bill for 2 years. Told them i had DSL and was using their TV services.

So be careful!

[jongetje]

Verwijderd schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:50:
[...]


It actually also works with commercial channels, including Ziggo Sport and international channels.

That is because the basic package is available for free on the cable. If you have signal, you can receive all basic channels, included Ziggo sports 1 on channel 14.

I suppose you already found (just for if someone else found this topic):
https://www.ziggo.nl/inst.../unencrypted-dvb-c/Verder

prutser001 schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:54:
There's a possibility they will send you a letter saying asking you to use their services, either that or a bill saying you have been using their services for the past x months/years. I had the same when i moved in my current apartment.

After a few months they send a letter saying 'You are using our services but not paying for them'. Returned the card that i didn't want/need their services, and after a few years i got a bill for 2 years. Told them i had DSL and was using their TV services.

So be careful!

The can never see if you use the open TV services. The is no way that they can see you use it unless they come into your apartment and see you watching cable tv. But then it is easier for Ziggo to remove the cable in the cable station in the street or building.
(I know a lot of people watching Ziggo Sports 1 on the cable because Ziggo did not removed the connection/signal).

[ Voor 46% gewijzigd door jongetje op 14-04-2020 08:59 ]

[The Zep Man]

prutser001 schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:54:
There's a possibility they will send you a letter saying asking you to use their services, either that or a bill saying you have been using their services for the past x months/years. I had the same when i moved in my current apartment.

With only free-to-air DVB-C there is no way for Ziggo to know that you use their services. Without a signature on a purchase order, Ziggo cannot do anything to legally bill you.

Furthermore, they are free to block the broadcast signal from their side.

[ Voor 26% gewijzigd door The Zep Man op 14-04-2020 09:04 ]

[dyrc]

Verwijderd schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:54:
[...]


Thank you! I am getting more than just NPO, also commercial channels, basically anything not requiring the CI+ module.

Good to know regarding the modem, that's what I suspected too.

Last question, when I receive my installation package from them, is there any real need to replace the SQ601 splitter? Their website says so to put the POA splitter instead, but I feel like the only difference is that the recent one are just slightly better in term of noise isolation. I'd rather not mess with it if mine works correctly.

no need to swap, your current one will work just fine.

[Verwijderd]

no need to swap, your current one will work just fine.

Thanks! Time to give a try to Ziggo hoping that will solve my packet loss issues with Tele2 then!

[prutser001]

jongetje schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 08:55:

[...]

The can never see if you use the open TV services. The is no way that they can see you use it unless they come into your apartment and see you watching cable tv. But then it is easier for Ziggo to remove the cable in the cable station in the street or building.
(I know a lot of people watching Ziggo Sports 1 on the cable because Ziggo did not removed the connection/signal).

I never said they could, they just send a letter just incase hoping you will pay. After i received the bill for 2 years and said i didn't need/want their services they came by and placed a 'terminator' in the supply street station. 6-7 years later (When fibre didn't come) i switch to Ziggo and they had to take out the terminator.

[GrooV]

prutser001 schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 09:39:
[...]


I never said they could, they just send a letter just incase hoping you will pay. After i received the bill for 2 years and said i didn't need/want their services they came by and placed a 'terminator' in the supply street station. 6-7 years later (When fibre didn't come) i switch to Ziggo and they had to take out the terminator.

It's not your problem that they are to lazy to cut off the signal. If you don't have a subscription they can't send you an invoice...

Did you even properly cancel the service?

Normally they cut of the signal when there is maintenance or they need to add a new customer. They're not activly sending a mechanic to cut it off because they can already cancel your smartcard and internet remotely

[ Voor 14% gewijzigd door GrooV op 14-04-2020 10:14 ]

[The Zep Man]

GrooV schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 10:13:
[...]
Did you even properly cancel the service?

Services are registered to persons. You cannot (and are not required) to cancel what you never used. It is not your problem if a previous tenant failed to cancel services.

[GrooV]

The Zep Man schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 10:17:
[...]
Services are registered to persons. You cannot (and are not required) to cancel what you never used. It is not your problem if a previous tenant failed to cancel services.

@prutser001 said HE got an invoice and not someone else

[The Zep Man]

GrooV schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 10:19:
[...]

@prutser001 said HE got an invoice and not someone else

"Aan de bewoners van <adres>"

Furthermore, my previous point still stands. Unless they have a signature on a purchase order their invoices are worthless, even if they are personalized.

[ Voor 29% gewijzigd door The Zep Man op 14-04-2020 10:26 ]

[prutser001]

The Zep Man schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 10:24:
[...]
"Aan de bewoners van..."

No, my name was on it etc, the invoice was for me. Not "Aan de bewoners van..."

But we're getting sidetracked here, it was just meant as a warning for the OP.

[hp-got]

Another possibility on why the connection is alive.....

I live in an apartment complex myself.
Our VvE (Vereniging van Eigenaren, Association of Owners) decided long ago to have a collective contract with Ziggo so that all apartments have a basic Ziggo TV connection. The costs are covered in the monthly service fee charged to the owner of the apartment.

[NielsFL]

You have access to their signal without contract or payment, but that's not exactly the same as 'getting it for free'. You're not supposed to use it. (As others have noted, Ziggo disconnects when it's convenient to them. Sometimes never.)

Internet may indeed work too. There have been Ziggo employees who were caught cloning modems, and I know from experience that people sometimes get sent multiple modems by accident. I would not go down that path though. IMHO purposely obtaining an illegal modem is way beyond the gray area of enjoying a "free" TV signal.

[The Zep Man]

NielsFL schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 11:20:
You have access to their signal without contract or payment, but that's not exactly the same as 'getting it for free'. You're not supposed to use it. (As others have noted, Ziggo disconnects when it's convenient to them. Sometimes never.)

Ziggo broadcasts radio signals into your house without consent, without any form of security. You can do whatever you want with the signal, in your own home of course.

Internet may indeed work too. There have been Ziggo employees who were caught cloning modems, and I know from experience that people sometimes get sent multiple modems by accident. I would not go down that path though. IMHO purposely obtaining an illegal modem is way beyond the gray area of enjoying a "free" TV signal.

That is computervredebreuk and possibly identity fraud (criminal law), and goes against established agreements with the service provider (civil law). Legally it is an entirely different matter.

[DutchKel]

There was an administrative failure at Ziggo. You probably get a bill from April.

See: Duizenden Ziggo-klanten ontvingen door foutje maandenlang gratis tv

Always remember: there is nothing free in this life.

[The Zep Man]

DutchKel schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 15:22:
There was an administrative failure at Ziggo. You probably get a bill from April.

See: Duizenden Ziggo-klanten ontvingen door foutje maandenlang gratis tv

Always remember: there is nothing free in this life.

Read better. This concerns Ziggo customers, as in people who already have a service from Ziggo for which they pay. Kabel TV is always included ('koppelverkoop') in any of their services, and normally billed accordingly. That's where the mistake was made: customers were billed for their other services, but not for Kabel TV.

Non-customers do not pay because they are... non-customers. Unless Ziggo has a purchase order with a signature (or digital equivalent), they cannot do anything since it cannot be proven that the service is actually used. That's the inherent flaw of broadcast technology and free-to-air channels.

[ Voor 22% gewijzigd door The Zep Man op 14-04-2020 17:06 ]

[assk]

Have the same. I ditched Ziggo months ago, but I still receive cabletelevision when I connect my television with a plane old coax cable. It's not the best quality, but it's free.

[yalerta]

@assk
Analogue TV settings? Ziggo will stop this signal in the future and already has done this in some regions.

Digital setting up the digital receiver/TV to 4444 instead of 5555 will give the FTA (Free To Air) channels with 6 HD en the rest up to about 45 SD channels wich improves picture quality compared to analogue

link

Frequentie: 47400, 474000 of 474
Netwerk-ID: 4444 of 04444
Modulatie: 64-QAM
Symboolsnelheid: 6875

This works as long as your are plugged in the dividercabinet in your street or neighborhood

[ Voor 14% gewijzigd door yalerta op 14-04-2020 22:31 ]

[Lrrr]

6 HD? Only NPO 1, 2, and 3, right?

https://www.ziggo.nl/televisie/zenderoverzicht/kabel-tv

[assk]

yalerta schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 22:26:
@assk
Analogue TV settings? Ziggo will stop this signal in the future and already has done this in some regions.

Yes analogue, so without a mediabox. I guess they will stop the signal at one point.

[Verwijderd]

hp-got schreef op dinsdag 14 april 2020 @ 11:08:
Another possibility on why the connection is alive.....

I live in an apartment complex myself.
Our VvE (Vereniging van Eigenaren, Association of Owners) decided long ago to have a collective contract with Ziggo so that all apartments have a basic Ziggo TV connection. The costs are covered in the monthly service fee charged to the owner of the apartment.

I will check that! I am in a quite large complex so that would make a lot of sense!

[TereZz]

It is a phisical action Ziggo has to perform. Ziggo doesn't send a mechanic to the streetdevideboxes (in the streets or apartmentcomplexes) just to cut off a cable/subscribtion. They only send mechanics to connect a cable/house, or for defects. However, when there is a mechanic in the box (for a different reason), they will cut off your signal because he is there anyway.

In this way, there're customers that can watch free tv for 10 years, but also customers that will be cutoff after a couple of months. Just a matter of luck

[ Voor 17% gewijzigd door TereZz op 15-04-2020 10:56 ]

[yalerta]

@Lrrr

Lrrr schreef op woensdag 15 april 2020 @ 03:56:
6 HD? Only NPO 1, 2, and 3, right?

https://www.ziggo.nl/televisie/zenderoverzicht/kabel-tv

Ziggo's own promotion channels are in HD as is the sports promo channel when its active.

Geen zin om het precieze aantal uit te vogelen omdat het alleen promo kanalen zijn die Ziggo zelf inmiddels niet meer aan prijst als HD en vernoemt.

@assk
No media box? Digital settings can also be made in most flatscreen TV's. This improves picture quality. Only switching form HD 1,2 or 3 to an SD channel shows some difference.

[ Voor 17% gewijzigd door yalerta op 15-04-2020 13:54 ]

[assk]

@assk
No media box? Digital settings can also be made in most flatscreen TV's. This improves picture quality. Only switching form HD 1,2 or 3 to an SD channel shows some difference.

Totaal geen mediabox, gewoon een oude coax direct uit de muur aangesloten op een oude Samsung lcd van 5 jaar. Ouderwets zoeken naar kanalen via de tv setup en gaan.

Oow ja, en ik heb nu al drie maanden geen ziggo meer, ben overgestapt naar enkel glasvezel internet.

[ Voor 12% gewijzigd door assk op 16-04-2020 12:39 ]