Thus disconnects VoIP service

Thus will shut down its Pipecall VoIP product at the end of this month, and has told customers they'll have to do the legwork if they want to keep their numbers.

The service was launched in 2005 by Legend Communications, which was later bought by Thus.

Thus, itself having been acquired by Cable & Wireless last year, told customers that Pipecall was for the knacker's yard. In an announcement on its website it said: "The platform has reached the end of its serviceable life.

"It is not possible for Thus to effectively maintain it and deliver acceptable levels of reliability, performance and security and as such, the decision has been taken to close it."

The firm also indicated it wasn't interested in keeping Pipecall customers' business. "There will not be a directly comparable Voice Over Broadband service available from Thus," it said.

Thus suggested Pipecall subscribers seek an alternative provider - BT - but said it couldn't help with number porting. "Customers wishing to port their numbers should contact BT. If they select an appropriate product from them, BT will port the numbers over themselves when the service goes live."

Thus isn't part of the VoIP trade association ITSPA. Under its code of practice members agree number porting arrangements. ®