European internet users could face a 'Black Wednesday' if KPNQwest's networks are shut down, according to volunteer operators who have blockaded themselves into the firm's Belgian networks operation centre.

Administrators for KPNQwest, which is insolvent, have given the firm until midnight tonight to settle its debts or the plug will be pulled on the biggest network in Europe, affecting at least 25 per cent of all European internet traffic.

The deadline is part of a rescue deal to keep the network going until the end of the month, giving customers enough time to find an alternative provider.

However, a massive knock-on effect will be felt if the Belgium-based Ebone network, owned by KPNQwest, is also shut down.

It is estimated that a further 25 per cent of European data traffic goes through Ebone, threatening a bad day for the internet if both go down this week.

But employees of Ebone are not going to let the network go down without a fight - jobs or no jobs.

A small band of network administrators blockaded themselves inside the Belgian network operations centre on Friday, and have been keeping the network ticking over ever since.

Graham Kinsey, volunteer press officer for the Ebone workers, said that they could hold out for up to another week if need be.

"The police haven't been sent in to try and forcibly remove us yet, but we know that the administrators are keen to start ripping out kit to sell on as soon as possible," he said. "If that happens, the network will just be ripped apart.

"We are on friendly terms with the company which provides our phone services, so we have phones indefinitely. If they cut the power we have a diesel generator which is good for maybe six or seven days.

"We just want to give our customers enough time to come up with a contingency plan."

Kinsey explained that, because the bankruptcy has happened so quickly, KPNQwest and Ebone customers have not had enough time to sort out an alternative provider.

"Customers are supposed to be moving over to Colt, but that hasn't happened yet," he said. "So if KPNQwest shuts down tomorrow, that's it. All its customers will lose their internet access."

The immediate future of web access for many European users now hinges on talks going on between KPNQwest and its creditors at this very moment. If those which have said they will pay up, do pay up, an internet meltdown may be averted.

The problem is compounded by the situation in Belgium. If the Ebone network goes down at the same time, European connections to the internet could be partially crippled.

"The outcome is looking about 50/50 at the moment," said Kinsey.

No one from the management side of KPNQwest was available for comment.