BT ‘not responsible’ for suspended FreeDial service

Telco stands firm against accusations

By Tim Richardson • Get more from this author

Posted in Music and Media, 6th March 2003 15:53 GMT

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BT has said it will "vigorously" defend any legal action brought against it by ISP FreeDial.biz.

The telco's resolute stand follows reports that FreeDial has been "forced to suspend" all of its broadband operations following an alleged dispute with BT Wholesale.

In an email to customers published on ADSLGuide FreeDial reports that it suspended the service "due to BT reneging on our agreement".

The ISP said that the current situation has arisen "through absolutely no fault of FreeDial" and claims to be preparing a dossier on the matter "pending legal action".

But BT has denied that it is responsible for the problems experienced by Fredial customers.

A spokesman for the telco told The Register: "BT has no involvement in any cancellation arrangements between FreeDial.biz and its customers.

"In view of FreeDial.biz's indication that it intends legal action we cannot comment further. Any legal action will be vigorously defended by BT," he said.

FreeDial caused a flurry of attention last September when it announced that it was offering a 512k ADSL service from just £12.99 a month.

At the time the ISP said it could offer the service at well below cost because its strings-attached "budget" service would be subsidised by its "premium" services.

In a statement on its site it denied that it was a "fly-by-night" operation insisting that it was in it for "for the long haul" with the "finances, resources and background to be able to carry out our commitments to the full". ®

ADSL for £12.99 - How do they do that?

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