RedHotAnt closes unmetered service

RedHotAnt has announced the closure of its unmetered internet access service after failing to secure funding.

The internet service provider (ISP) notified its customers of the withdrawal via email last night but there were doubts over the email's authenticity. However, a statement on the company's website this morning has confirmed that the service will end.

"The recent fallout within the technology sector has meant that it has been impossible to secure the necessary funding to continue operating the RedHotAnt unmetered service," the company said. "We have been in talks with a number of third parties, but no company has been interested in taking on the liabilities associated with RedHotAnt."

The ISP stopped accepting new accounts for the service at the beginning of January but said customers who signed up in 2000 will continue to have access to the service as long as their annual subscription lasts.

RedHotAnt confirmed today that its existing telecoms provider had given notice that the freephone numbers on which it operates will be withdrawn as of 16 January. The company added that it does not have the resources to offer refunds or compensation.

Existing users have been told that they can continue to access email and domain hosting facilities via an 0845 local call rate number. Instructions for doing so can be found online at http://www.internet-support.net/redhotant.

RedHotAnt is the latest in a long line of ISPs who have been forced to withdraw their unmetered offerings after business models proved unviable. Recent failures (links are to news about the failures) include Breathe, Lineone, and AltaVista.