Following yesterday's story about NTL's router service, we have had a number of emails from frustrated NTL users.

According to readers, no sooner was the GW1 router was up and running (or limping according to some of the more unfortunate subscribers), the GW2 linx router toppled over.

One disgruntled NTL user asked:

"... the 2nd router (Linx GW2) that has gone into chaos again today?
Grounding the service to a near halt once again."

Another told us:

"...the GW2 folded, and we were all back in the same boat. I gave up at 22:00 23/06/2000 trying to use the CM service.

NTL's own internal routers are buckling under the pressure of the increased usage. Even when the service is 'working' NTL routers are dropping packets and giving large ping times.

The visible portion of NTL CM support (Victor/Ted/Bill) do a disappearing act every time someone moans about the quality of service.

I, along with many others, am tired of the poor service and even poorer support that NTL is currently supplying. After all, the NTL CM community pays for the privilege of being given a poor service, dialup user get this for free!!"

Another said that he thought NTL needed to be "shamed into doing a proper job." He also points out: "I can't play a game with a 40 ping and 40 packet loss and a disconnect every 3 mins." (sic)

NTL has not confirmed the second outage, and no one could be reached for comment at press time.®