Troubled Gio set to 'shut down'

Execs at troubled ISP Gio Internet Ltd are preparing to close down the company and have stopped taking on new customers.

It's unclear when the ISP will be put out of its misery but Irvine-based Gio's last remaining customers - some 3,500 dial-up users - have been told their service will be pulled in less than a month.

Any move to shut down the down the company looks likely to come shortly after.

A spokesman for the company told The Register that the "wheels are already being put in motion" to "shut down" Gio.

In a statement Gio said that it has now stopped signing up new punters as of today. "All existing customers will be able to continue to use the service until the end of their billing period. Gio Internet will continue to support all its users until they can find a suitable ISP to change to or until the end of their billing period, whichever is sooner.

"Customers are advised to call 0870 922 4000 if they have any questions or concerns."

Gio might also consider flogging what's left of its user base, the ISP said.

In November Gio hit the headlines after Manchester-based wholesale broadband operator NetServices Plc announced it was pulling the plug on Gio because it claimed the ISP owed it more than £220,000.

Separately, Gio claims to be owed large amounts by punters and has instructed debt collectors to chase cash it claims it is owed.

In January, regulator Ofcom launched an investigation into Gio concerning the ISP's failure to operate a satisfactory complaints process for peeved punters. Over the last year Ofcom has received a "growing number of complaints...from consumers dissatisfied with Gio", the comms regulator said. That investigation is still ongoing. ®

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