Can someone help me (in words if one syllable)

I did it for new neighbours once until they sorted out their own wi fi. Personally I don’t think it’s a big deal but obviously others do. Sorry I can’t advise more than that.

I suspect if you asked your provider, it would be a definite "No! " I'm no expert, but frankly I'd be worried about comprising my account /Internet, if anything went wrong 🤔 The whole point about passwords is - they're secret to you!

Just to add I don’t know why others think it means they have access to all the sites you visit. It doesn’t but sounds like you’ve made your mind up anyway. I wouldn’t mind at all and I’m not a Mumsnetter

No. Just no. They are almost certainly lovely people - but if they aren't, anything that they download will appear on your WiFi record - and you don't have a chance of proving that it wasn't you that downloaded it..! Please don't take this chance. Your online security is very, very important..!

It is illegal to do that. It is Theft of Services. I agree that they can use their phone data. I think it's rude to even ask you. Beware.

We've just moved and are using a 5g home broadband router from Three. £24 a month with no contract, works perfectly straight out of the box.

I'm shocked at how naive some posters are regarding internet security.

If you have brick walls then they won’t get a good enough signal anyway.
If they have ‘smart phones’ which most people have nowadays…. They can ‘Tether’ off of their own phones and use their own data.

I’d let them do it

I would just say you contacted your provider to ask and they advised no re security and say they suggested that they use their phones to hot spot

Definitely say yes.

Marydoll

I'm shocked at how naive some posters are regarding internet security.

Couldn’t agree more. No wonder we hear of people being scammed.

Another one here who does not understand this technical stuff and although I would not want to upset new neighbours I do think they had a cheek to ask and after reading the replies on here it would be a definite 'no' from me. I think Marydoll's advice is the best solution - you rang your provider and they said don't.

It is possible to set up a temporary guest account which doesn't give them access to your files etc. Probably still best to say know unless you're confident about doing that. I maybe wouldn't say your provider said it isn't possible in case they'd realise that's probably not true. Shouldn't spoil your relationship with them as they should be able to use their phones and probably realise it was maybe an unfair request. All the best.

No not know

We agreed to our 'nice' new neighbours using our password and I regretted it later. nothing untoward happened that we know of, but it opened the flood gates to many requests eg when they built an extension they asked in all seriousness could they put a new drain/soakaway in our garden! Thank goodness we refused as we sold the house and that would have been an issue. Smile and say no, they'll get over it and know you've got strong boundaries.

If some of you guilt tripping me into feeling I m a bad neighbour had read back you would see it’s all been done and dusted If that makes me a bad neighbour well so be it, I would help anyone, anytime but I wasn’t comfortable with doing that and the majority of posters reassured me it wasn’t a good idea
Thank you for the majority of you supporting me

BB , please do not allow peoply to make you feel guilty.
I was a school IT co-ordinator, responsible for all internet security and passwords. I had an additional role within the LA, serving on working parties, trying to keep staff and pupils safe online and piloting various internet safety programs and apps.
I speake from experience, you did the right thing.
Those advising you to do it, obviouly have no idea of the consequences, if it goes pear shaped.

Bluebelle just because others would do it doesn't make it right, or right for you.
If the neighbours don't understand or respect your decision it's their problem
Do not feel guilty.

100% you should say no to this. Never give your Wifi password to anyone. You have no idea what they might be looking at, and it's just such a bad security risk.

I would tell new neighbours you've taken advice from your provider and they have told you it would be against the terms of your contract, so you sadly have to say no.

Just to correct a misunderstanding.

Usually WiFi is unlimited as long as you have a router so it won't cost you anything extra

Not true, many routers have a limit on the number of devices that are allowed to be connected to a WiFi network. Also, the purpose of a router is to connect you to Broadband and very few contracts will allow you unlimited broadband. Those that do allow it are expensive. If you (or they) go over your limit you will be charged extra.

There are also the security aspects as mentioned above.

My advice, in words of one syllable, is don’t do it.

I used to know two individuals who refused requests as if the requests were faintly humorous. My friends, one my old headmistress, and one a world wise old man, were able to dismiss unwise or unwanted ideas with a light -hearted smile.

Change your password. Say, "Howdy Neighbour, please feel free to use our WiFi and have a lovely Christmas". Have a great Christmas yourself and change the password back afterwards.

Words fail me!

How many have come on here and not read the whole thread and the information given by those of us, who actually know what we are talking about.
I need to withdraw, I'm getting ratty at some of the irresponsible advice given. advice given by posters.

If your neighbor got kids they could be gaming etc which does use a lot of data If you don’t want to offend your new neighbors why don’t you tell them you only have a basic plan and are limited and unfortunately you can’t help them. Personal I’d never dream of asking anyone for their passwords or if could use their broadband etc