Feature request: Please add ability to change DNS Nameservers in Sky Router

[Ethereal]

Dear SKY Boardband,

It is currently not possible to change the DNS primary and secondary nameservers in our routers which is a real diservice to customers.

It means we cannot set the router for example to use Couldflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS privacy focused variants. Or Google's DNS as a faster or second alternative.

This means that Sky is insisting that all internet traffic is routed through Sky's network, a policy which brings inherent privacy concerns as it is a corporate entity. If there is an issue (like today's issue seemingly with AWS services), it also we can't try to bypass it by changing to an alternative DNS service.

Before raising this issue with OFCOM I'd like to give Sky the opportunity to change their business practice and stance on this first.

Thank you.

[Ethereal]

I realise it is possible do achieve this per device is the individual device permits it, but it is more convenient and inclusive to do it at router level.

[Beanio]

Hmm I don't use Sky's hub any more, replaced with Orbi. I didn't think of changing DNS to try and solve todays issues - might give that a go later thanks!

[TimmyBGood]

---

@Ethereal wrote:

Before raising this issue with OFCOM I'd like to give Sky the opportunity to change their business practice and stance on this first.

---

I suspect Ofcom (if they respond at all) will tell you that ISPs having control of router DNS is there to facilitate network level internet filtering.  Worth noting that BT, with twice as many broadband customers as Sky, does the same.

[jamesn123]

---

@Ethereal wrote:

Before raising this issue with OFCOM I'd like to give Sky the opportunity to change their business practice and stance on this first.

---

Offcom will laugh you out the door because Sky & other ISPs will just claim you are not forced to use their DNS because you can change it directly on your device or use a VPN. Additionally Sky allow you to use your own 3rd party router where you can configure custom DNS. 

[Plunky74]

Being a customer that had BT Internet recently, the key difference is that BT's DNS server addresses, or underyling filtering, do not cause any issues with Apple devices. Since switching to Sky, and after numerous complaints from my wife and daughter, I've had to manually apply Google DNS settings to all Apple devices (Computer / Phone / iPad) to avoid extreme laggy loading of certain web pages and slow email loading issues. Ironically, Sky News & Sports web pages were a couple of the worst affected, in any browser. Updating the DNS addresses was the only (safe) option I could find on the web to workaround and return to a quiet life.

As such, my request would be to fix the Sky DNS issues such that users don't have to manually apply workarounds, particuarly when OS updates tend to reset those on occasion.

[Plunky74]

Just another comment on using 3rd party routers to satisfy the requestor's requirement. It's not that easy, to be honest... You need to find a router that supports authentication using DHCP Option 61. Not many routers list that info in product sheets, so you need to delve into firmware updates, or support pages, to ascertain whether support is there/has been added. It appears that authentication method is pretty niche, otherwise 3rd party routers would have much wider support. You can't even rely on the manufacturer being consistent. e.g. It appears Netgear ORBI does, but Nighthawk RAXE300 does not. As such, my advice would be... do extensive research before buying one.

[Eeeps]

There is a workaround whilst keeping the Sky router.

The local LAN DHCP does not need to be served by the Sky Hub.

Switch off the DHCP server on the Sky Hub and use an alternative DHCP server.

Many routers (cheap TP-Link for example) can be switch to access point mode and can provide DHCP.
The DNS addresses can be set there.
It's also important to set the gateway address that is provided to the clients via DHCP as the address of the Sky Hub.

You also get the benefit of improved WiFi if required.