V21 to begin legal proceedings against NetServices plc (updated)

Manoj Solanki, Thursday November 16, 2006 - 12:15 AM

Biscit owned V21 has announced it will take legal action against NetServices plc in an ongoing commercial dispute that has resulted in some V21 customers being migrated to another provider.

Earlier today, some V21 customers received a message stating that the V21 service had been discontinued and to continue their service could switch to EzeeDSL.

According to a separate statement by 186k, who own EzeeDSL, they said that the ISP “has stepped forward to save the connections of many thousands of broadband users, following the demise of the services delivered by their troubled broadband provider Biscit CSP Limited”.

The dispute was originally between Netservices (who supplied the broadband service for V21) and V21, before it was taken over by Biscit.

V21 state that NetServices refused to provide technical support to V21 customers and MAC codes in October and added that affected customers should contact NetServices directly on 0870 753 0900, or by email sarahh@netservicesplc.com to ask for a MAC code so they can migrate to Biscit.

Biscit will also provide one months free broadband as compensation for customers that migrate.

Update

Biscit have updated us with the following statement: 

Demand your MAC code

Any V21 customer affected by NetServices unprecedented action against V21 (please see http://www.biscit.net/biscit_mediacentre/v21_legal_proceedings.php) is advised that a free dial-up service is available to them whilst they attempt to get a MAC code from Netservices.

The free dial-up number is 08456041190, username is v21local and the password is dialup.  The NetServices number for customers to call for their MAC code is 0870 753 0900.

Netservices has also issued a statement on its website:

“NetServices has today terminated its contract with V Two One for the provision of wholesale DSL services. This is a decision which has not been taken lightly, and during the months since Biscit Internet Limited acquired V Two One, NetServices has sought to identify an acceptable basis under which the supply of services to V Two One might be maintained, but without success.”

”In the interests of those end users NetServices have made arrangements with an alternative provider, Ezee DSL to migrate the broadband services to them thus limiting any further service disruption. The full details of the migration process can be viewed here http://www.ezeedsl.co.uk/.

On the provision of a MAC code:

”NetServices are unable to issue MAC codes for any end users as this would be in contravention of our wholesale distribution agreement. NetServices MAC code policy can be viewed here: MAC Code Policy”

Update (17/11/06)

Ofcom has received many complaints on the issues currently faced by V21 customers.  They have set up a page for it at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/internet/v21/

Although they only offer the same advice on internet access, it does state that Netservices “will request that broadband is ceased on their telephone line on 24th November”.