LineOne mulls return to unmetered service

Internet service provider (ISP) LineOne has said it is still hopeful of offering its customers an unmetered access service, despite its well-publicised withdrawal from the market a few months ago.

LineOne, which scrapped its unmetered service with telco Quip at the end of September after high demand meant the service became too costly to run, said it is still "exploring" the possibility of relaunching such a service.

"We launched an unmetered service earlier this year based on information given to us at the time. Given experience and hindsight, this clearly wasn't the right time," said Mary Turner, managing director at the company. "But that doesn't mean we will shrink away and hide - there is still a need for unmetered access."

According to Turner, LineOne is looking at the possibility of offering its users a new unmetered service when it becomes "commercially viable" to do so. The ISP currently offers an off-peak service based on BT's wholesale Surftime package, but said it is looking at all the options available.

Other ISPs, including World Online and Claranet, have recently said that companies will be restricted in the pricing of unmetered services until BT's wholesale tariff, Friaco (flat-rate internet access call origination), becomes widely available.

LineOne has admitted that Friaco is one option it is looking at, but said its primary focus at the moment is to develop itself as the portal of choice for busy people.

"We try to be innovative for our customers and we are looking to whatever is suitable and commercially viable. But at this point in time the core of our strategy is to become the ultimate destination portal for time-starved individuals," Turner told vnunet.com.

The company, which will launch a revamped website at the beginning of December, said its main focus is establishing itself as the content rich access provider aimed at busy 30-45 year-olds. LineOne launched a Wap service in June and said it also aims to deliver its service over multiple platforms, including interactive TV.

Turner is now in "control" of the company following the departure of chief executive Andy Harwood. Harwood is leaving the ISP after only six months in the job to join e-marketing startup eVerger.