Free internet connection intermitent. Worried about signing up

Are you asking a question or making a statement ?

It's a free connection, we don't receive any bills for it.

how does that work then?

My guess it a bundled package with satellite tv or mobile telephone

Apologies for lack of clarity.
Yes, I'm asking a question. We haven't received any bills from the ISP since our ex flatmate moved out a while ago. So it looks like they don't know that we are 'free riders'.

As the internet connection in now very sporadic we would like to get re connected. We are worried that if we go to the ISP provider who we've been getting the internet free from & ask to be connected then they will penalise us. I suppose the most cautious thing to do would be to say that we have just moved in, otherwise we may be hit with a bill for hundreds of pounds.

Yes, we could go to another ISP but this particular one offers an attractive package.

To move to another provider will require you to contact the existing supplier to get a MAC code that you will be required to give to the new supplier.

If the fault in your connection is due to a line fault between your telephone socket and the exchange then the fault will still be there with the new supplier.

How long have you been getting a free ride. Given that most ISPs are charging between 10 and 20 pounds a month unless you have a business account which might cost more. You should then be able to estimate your potential liability.

I do not think that you will owe too much and you will not get the service improved without talking to the ISP unless you move house. So you have little choice.

They would not be 'penalising' you. They'd be charging you for the service you have been using (albeit a bit intermittently).

Just shut it down and hope you do not get the bill you probably actually deserve!

Bruce