World Online denies plug-pulling

World Online has moved to quash consumer fears that it is about to ditch unmetered Net access.

Earlier this week company UK CEO Simon Preston told The Register that he was "committed to unmetered Net access".

"We are not going to withdraw from the unmetered market," he said.

But some customers aren't so sure.

Yesterday, World Online sent a letter to its 100,000 users outlining the current difficulties in obtaining wholesale unmetered Net access and saying that it may have to review its "products and pricing".

"World Online is committed to delivering unmetered Internet access to its customers," it said.

"In light of the delays in the availability of FRIACO (Flat Rate Internet Access Origination), World Online is currently having to review its products and pricing. We are consulting widely with our customers before any plans are finalised.

"If any changes need to be made in the near future, they will be reviewed once a FRIACO product is available to us. In the event of there being any changes, we will be giving all our customers at least twenty one days notice," it said.

Some punters reckon World Online is looking for a way out to scrap unmetered access.

Said one: "I suspect they want to ditch it like everyone else is doing.

Another said: "I hope World Online doesn't dump their service."

Jeremy Stokes, Consumer Director at World Online, reiterated World Online's position.

"We're reviewing our pricing, considering our options," he said " and no, we're not pulling out of unmetered Net access." ®