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Title: "EzeSurf Review"
Posted by Mark Jackson on July 14th 2000

Introduction:-Back in mid October at around the time ISPreview was due to launch; the first truly free 24/7 0800 ISP suddenly arose. It stunned people with its HUGE list of services (500mb webspace, 128Kbps ISDN etc.) and the mere fact that they were offering a 24/7 0800 service at all. Sadly It only took a week before people realised something was wrong when their sign-up packages NEVER arrived and those already online had serious problems. Since then 08004u has been up and down like a virgin ISP with no idea as to what to do with itself. So after thousands of complaints, an official investigation and serious security problems, they finally caved in. But instead of dieing off, they added some extra staff and under a steady shroud of secrecy - re-launched themselves as 'EzeSurf'. Now a lot cheaper and with a new networking system, the question that begs us all is, was it worth it and do they WORK?

Services:- EzeSurf has changed so much since its launch several months' back that it can be quite difficult at times to see exactly what they offer. Thankfully they have now settled on one medium, SurfSaver, a system where you buy a minimum of £39 level C shares and get lifetime 24/7 freecall Internet access. Along with that comes 20mb web space, unlimited E-Mail aliases, speech mail and voice/fax to E-Mail services. A fairly standard set-up at first sight, however the £39 price tag makes EzeSurf among the top 5 cheapest freecall ISPs in the UK. If you purchase a second set of shares @ £39 then you can also get 128Kbps ISDN access compared to the normal 64Kbps with one set. Sadly the service is also somewhat restrictive, during the day you are limited by a pesky 1Hour cut off and in the evenings/weekends that improves to 2hourly cuts. Still the service remains good and multiplayer pings are comparable with the likes of ClaraNet and other top ISPs (70ms = ISDN / 120ms = modem). Sadly there are also a couple of other more annoying things, for a start nobody has every actually received details of their shares and engaged tones are cropping up at peak usage periods.

Support:- It's fair to say that poor support is common among all unmetered/freecall ISPs, however if we had to give a reward to anybody for poor support then it'd have to be EzeSurf. Their website contains no details whatsoever about any of the services offered with the package and no information for first time users to actually get online with them. Rumours have clamped themselves to EzeSurf like a plague, reports of staff going unpaid, cutting back on support staff and an inability to help people in general now seem far from exaggerated. Thankfully they are getting better, sometimes you can actually get through via phone and by way of a small miracle they sometimes turn an E-Mail around within a week. One thing remains certain; the PR behind this ISP has a lot of thinking to do.

Verdict:- EzeSurf offer a fairly bog standard set of services, yet these are instantly overshadowed by having one of the cheapest unmetered packages in the business! However thanks to poor support, a pretty sparse website and generally limited details, EzeSurf remain far from perfect. This is most definitely NOT an ISP for first newcomers to the Internet, it'll simply take too long to get the help you need and even then it might not be enough. However if you just want straight 24/7 freecall access, then EzeSurf offers one of the best connections to the net today!




Title: "Complaints about Ezesurf"

Complaint - Trouble contacting technical support
No.Complaints - HIGH
Status - System being upgraded (may partly resolve issue).
Details - Diffeculty reaching Eze through phone and E-Mail, those signing up are finding it diffecult to get Online.

Complaint - Dual ISDN Connection Problems
No.Complaints - LOW
Status - Unresolved
Details - If you've purchased two SurfSaver accounts for 128Kbps ISDN then you might be aware of the 'DEAD-LINE' issue. Often when connecting the second channel will fall dead and cause speeds to die.

Complaint - Engaged Tones
No.Complaints - MEDIUM
Status - Unresolved
Details - Only recently we've been getting complaints of engaged tones at peak hours, not hugely obvious, but it hasn't been getting any better since the initial signs a couple of weeks ago.




Title: "EzeSurf Fact Or Fiction"
Posted by Mark Jackson on July 28th 2000 at 09:29

Well it seems as though some members of the EzeSurf staff are still alive as we've been in contact with them regarding the Visual Depth investigation. That aside and Ben from PlanetInferno has posted shocking revelations about EzeSurf today from an Ex-Employee. We've known about the following story since early 2000, however never posted it as we were not able to investigate the style of allegations portrayed. Not to mention the legal issues that could be involved, still that's out of our hands now as Ben has taken the risk for us. This is supposedly a letter from an Ex-EzeSurf employee that portrays their history from the watery grounds of 08004u to the more stable EzeSurf we know today. There's a lot of it so we'll quote the bottom:

"Well the energis/planet deal (EzeSurf Starts) went through and we all celebrated Ezesurf launching and the first few £199 signups went straight to our wages - NOT! but first he bought himself (Matt - Owner) a new state of the art PC and a new car then paid us in dribs and drabs. Well everything went well and we increased or staff size to about 22. Then he decided to cut back and the staff has gradually been shortened to about 5 in Dundee and he started to travel to move to his scene in Manchester and left us with no head at all and no authority to do anything. Our pay began to get later and later in the month and now the Dundee office is all but closed, the staff there now turn up on Mondays to be told by Keri that you are on holiday for re-networking of the office. Something that does not need to be done as or tech wiz kid has already installed a great network that worked fine. Now we find that our wages have been getting taxed Matt's idea of emergency tax 33% or something and the inland revenue have not even seen a penny of it. Most of money will probably never be seen again! As yours may be! The amounts outstanding to the employee's is great and ranges from about £100 to £1000 in tax money overpaid! He is currently being investigated by the inland revenue, trading standards and the employment services for mis-use of new deal funds. Do you stay in Nottingham as he has started a new office down there at the broadway business center, he tried to hide this from the Dundee office and he still says that the Dundee office has a future. There are rumours today though because of supposed letters of suspension to one or more of the Dundee employee's. Your share certificates, forget them it was a gimmick he though of in order bring in more interest, ezesurf has no real way of knowing who has what. I doubt he will ever get that part together. All the files are still on paper. I feel sorry for those poor new employee's down south, they don't know what they are getting into. We wait and are due to be paid on the 4th will it happen we will wait and see. Don't get me totally wrong, Ezesurf is has great potential but with Matt in charge be wary be very wary. With the right leadership and right frame of mind towards the customers Ezesurf could be the next biggest corporation in recent years. But in Matt's hands is more likely to spiral into the depths of oblivion."


ISPreview cannot vouch for these rumours even if much of it does seem to fit the facts (staff shortages etc.). However with the exception of poor support and recent increases in engage tones at peak hours, EzeSurf is a super fast and stable ISP from our view. No matter what happens, they are still go for at least another 6 months as the Planet Online deal was paid up-front, thus it can even run without anybody being there =). Although the door swings both ways, EzeSurf is starting to get mildly (emphasising it's only MILDLY) congested, but they might be unwilling to spend the money to upgrade in the future when it gets worse. Make what you will of all this, we chose not to post what Ben has along time ago as it was too risky in the fact or fiction stakes and legality.

Comments in reply:
"It is true Mr Mark jackson. For certain reasons I cannot reveal which employee I am at the moment but i will reveal all in the next few days. And some more up to the date info about Eze not in that post to planet inferno. Watch this space! Ezesurf Employee" - EX-ezeperson

"Well, rings true ... I had dealings with Matt and nothing came to fruition. I paid £120 for my two lines for access via SurfSaver ... £60 each, if I knew I would not get any shares (which I haven't) I would have demanded £42 refund... Still it looks like the service will falter in due course, unless they restructure into a monthly or annual fee ... service cannot really sustain itself on new sign-ups alone. Shame really, the service could have offered its reliable 24/7 dial-up for £10 per month, offered own domain hosting, servers, design, etc ... made a real go of it ... seeing as the deal from Energis and POL is good. What of the future ... from the letter at Planet Inferno ... doesn't look to Rosy :-(" - James Harkin

"Sounds like the way the junky unmetered ISP's treat their customers as well. Put off after put off after excuse after excuse." - Joe




Title: "EzeSurf Respond To Rumours"
Posted by Mark Jackson on July, 28th 2000 at 14:58

At around 12:00 noon today EzeSurf issued a response to the recent EzeSurf history type article which PlanetInferno published this morning. The article was a damning look at EzeSurfs management by an Ex-Staff member and can be read below, their response follows:

At this moment we would like to advise customers that we are in the process of restructuring Ezesurf throughout all offices. In addition to this we are also undergoing a total staff and management restructure. With so many rumours about Ezesurf we are still committed to providing a service and are in the process of arranging new and further exciting products. We would like to apologise for the recent article and can assure you of our best intentions at all times. If you have any queries regarding this article then please contact keri@ezesurf.ltd.uk. If you are still encountering problems with our service then please call our Customer Services on 0870 444 5555 (lines are charged at national rate and open 8am till 8pm)."


It seems as though http://www.planetinferno.co.uk has managed to stir up quite a hornet’s nest in EzeSurf. Lets just hope they maintain the currently good speeds and fix those small engage tone/support issues. Best not to judge them now and instead wait until a couple of months time to see if things have got worse or better.

Comments in reply:
"Well ezesurf seem to have pulled up their socks pretty quickly as after six weeks of trying I finally get a telephone number change. and it was done instantly I have sent 8 emails and a number of phone calls but today I got through KEEP IT UP EZESURF YOU HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE TO CONVINCE" - Catrina Day

"Sounds like Matt's handwriting, don't think Keri would have made that up on her own. Well as I said before my intention is not to hurt ezesurf but to bring to their attention that their staff are unhappy enough with the treatment they have been given from their supposed friends. Keri is Matt's little pawn up here and is going to get a crash right down to earth when matt turns his back on her as well. I want it to work but does sound like a restructure when the two managers of the office ,and I have spoken to them personally pver the last 3 weeks, don't have the foggiest whats going on. The office has been stripped of the computers and anything worth anything. I hope and I pray that the big man himslf can pull it together and get us back on board on his side. It wouldn't take much just the plain simple truth would do. TELL YOUR STAFF WHAT THE STORY IS AND GIVE THEM PEACE! If we are to be closed down tell us so we can get on with our lives." - eze

"It does seem as if our annonymous person above has an axw to grind I can assure him I have nothing to do with ezesurf except having them as my secondary internet service provider, I can say apart from tech support the service has been great" - Catrina Day

"Axe to grind you betcha! We have tried constantly to cover up the cracks in 08004u and ezesurf for months. Lying to customers, being unable to provide the customer support we should. We have given the solutions to these problems and are ignored and dismissed. It has come the time for the real truth to come out, something that you the user has never had. The ezesurf team that is behind this have zero contact with our employers and he owes us not just tax money that he has never registered us for but also for the commitment we gave him. When the wages never got paid did we grumble yes but we also turned round and told Matt that we were 100% behind him and supported him even though our kin at home went without for the time. We got flack from our nearests and dearests and still we defended Matt from not only them but from all the customers also. Ezesurf works well once you are on but he has transferred everything down south to the new office and left us hanging here. We just want to wake him up to realise that the people who put him where he is now don't want to be treated like something you would wipe off your shoe. Don't get alarmed ezesurf is not going to die as long as Matt gets his finger out and get the show back on the road properly." - eze

"If you are so peeved to be writing on a web page about it why dont you leave?? IF its THAT bad.. just get out.. anyone else would...Not having a go :) Just a view. Funk" - Funk^

"Leaving is not an option - just yet. Yes I have thought of it and almost handed in my notice. But when a job that you have had has been more than a job it was a way of life. It is not something I want to turn my back on. We have been trying for months to get these points across and our calls are not even answered. The employees at ezesurf are not millionaires the job became our life in and out of the office. The work connection did not end at the end of the shift, we were friends and we still want to be told yes from matt. Our passion for ezesurf has never faltered we all feel strongly about the company. We nurtured the company, we all contributed to its existance in its current form. Foregoing wages and freetime. Our sweat and blood is with this company and I stress again, we want it to work more than anything right now and we would like nothing better than to find that this has shaken Matt up enough to get in touch with the various emplees and sort it out. We don't really care about the money ezesurf is a way of life and we are dedicated to its existence. I see your view and I wish I had never now got involved in the first place but I am and ezesurf is in my blood. I must see this situation through. The recent postings and the ones to come if we are not listen to are a last resort, we did not want it to come to this but we are at our wits end. The post to planet inferno (which seems to have disappeared! Maybe the voice of journalism is censored by ezesurf, I am sorry to bring you into this ben and if you read this I owe you one and I will try and make it up to you somehow) was only the tip of the iceberg and is very vague, but there is proof to substaniate all of the claims made. And the Documaents and various other proofs will be posted if we do not get a response personally from ezesurf. Matt call around and speak to your employees up here, when you get the right one I will talk this through with you but don't give me your usual patter be truthful and honest and I am sure that the whole world will get behind you. Ezesurf has the potential to be the greatest ISP in the world and you must still support them. Ezesurf is the greatest thing that ever happened to me and the other employees, Matt PLEASE prove our faith, don't make us come to you, the internet community would surley get behind you and support you even more if you were to hold this in open talks, let the world know about the problems and let them help sort it. The customers know that eze is good prove it to them and they will back you like never before. An open invitaion to join us on IRC will be posted tomorrow probably around 5 o clock please come there one and all on the ezesurf channel connection details will be posted tomorrow and we would also invite all aspects of the media to come to the Ezesurf Virtual Picket line's 1st press conference. The time will be set tomorrow around 5 propbably GMT. Well you have been told and I will see ya all there. " - eze

"More propaganda, come out and show us any facts you have to substantiate what you say, come out from under your stone, if you work for a company and not get paid; you leave. And in the world of IT, there are plenty of jobs and well paid too" - elcid123

"In regard to the recent article and subsequent communications, we regret to advise that Matt is not available for comment until Thursday the 3rd August 2000. In the meantime, please direct any queries to keri@ezesurf.ltd.uk or nicky@ezesurf.ltd.uk. As from Friday the 4th of August 2000, the company restructuring will have been completed. All products,services, and future services are designed solely to enhance the Ezesurf service,and benefit our current and future subscribers and shareholders. With regards to Ezesurf employees based in Dundee, all the stresses and points have been officially noted and the responsible personnel management team will look into these and provide a solution on Monday the 7th of August 2000. Ezesurf would like to remind subscribers and shareholders that the Dundee office will remain closed until Monday the 7th of August 2000 at 10am, after which the new Dundee infrastructure will be implemented. It would be very much appreciated if "to whom it may concern" could respect the company's request to await the outcome on Monday the 7th of August 2000." - Keri Lynn Coull

"Dear Disgruntled, Me thinks you take your work too seriously, if you carry on that attitude to all of your employments then you will have a breakdown - calm down dude, relax a little. Have you no contact with 'Matt' yourself ? Or any of the other blokes you know ? Anyway, ISPReview, i thought your job was to report on quality of ISP's and not their business doings which, selfishly, don't affect me. We're not 'Business Lunch' here... " - ralgex

"I will discuss the proposal from Keri with the other members of staff and we may wait for the 7th. It is nice to get a date for work to restart. And no we do have mobile and contact numbers but never is there an answer from him. It is about time that something was done, and maybe this time it will be but we have heard this same statement for the last month every week, it has never been upheld." - eze

"Ezesurf rocks..... hope to see you get bigger and better!! Funk" - Funk

"Cheers Funk, we all want Ezesurf to rock and it can and I believe it will get better" - eze

"So the IRC meeting is off?" - James

"Irc meeting is still on for anyone who wishes to speak to us personally. Server irc.fordys.co.uk and join #ezesurf" - eze

"Sure. It's that easy is it? All this time you've been ducking everyone and know magically you appear and you are ready to talk. This is obviously a hoax." - Vic

"If you had read the previous posts and understood why we are talking you would understand why the support disapeared from the ezepeople site and from emails and newsgroups. We have been enforced into holiday. Read the previous posts and understand why the support disappeared" - eze

"I understand why support disappeared. You went on holiday you lazy bastard." - Vic

"I've been reading a thread on Net4Nowt site claiming that Ezesurf is to close down at the end of July. And now I read all this stuff here?? I want to see Ezesurf (I use SurfSaver) survive. It provides an excellent service, and why not introduce a yearly charge like other 0800 ISPs. I would certainly pay £39 each year if the service remained at its current standard. Or is the problem more to do with internal staff difficulties. As I, by now, feel skeptical of anything I read about Ezesurf, I don't suppose an answer either way to its impending closure (July?, August? October??) would reassure me. Tim g" - Tim G

"Apparantly Tim, the entire staff is on holiday. As we speak, eze, who shall remain the unnamed tattletale on ezesurf, is off to the Canaries tomorrow. Meanwhile back at the office, the phones ring endlessly. Matt eh shat has hpped a plane to Tahiti with yours and everyone else's money and like the coward he is, is hiding behind a woman. Keri Lynn Coul. I guess he couldn't find any children to use as a shield." - Vic

"I am not on holiday by choice Vic. The office in Dundee has had the phone lines redirected down to the Nottingham office, where they are still working. As for being lazy I hope that you were being comical, cause if not then you don't read and understand whats happened. We were put on enforced holiday with no notice and not allowed to enter the office. Which is ileagal. Just another thing that has annoyed us. There is still a working office in Nottingham where agency staff are paid double what we were on.!" - eze

"I think someone is bearing a grudge? what happened to loyalty to ones employers? I think if I were the boss of ezesurf I would make it my business to flush our Lord Haw Haw (Eze) and gine him/her their marching orders? if indeed our Eze is an employee of Ezesurf? You do not stick in the Job and throw mud at your employer? you get out of the job? then you let your steam off. and a suggestion to the Management of Ezesurf? Why not have tech support on a premium rate line? bringing in more revenue and keeping tech support calls to a minimum. ok tech support has been rotten? I am sure the management will agree? however I am sure most of us have had our £39 worth out of the company. it took over two months to get my money back from Buzzline and no service whatsoever? KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EZESURF" - Catrina Day

"Yeah well, I paid my £39 well over a month ago, and NOTHING. No free account, no support...... no NOTHING!!!" - ANON

"Out of Interest (life is a risk) I joined Ezesurf last Monday & today I phoned their help desk today (Sunday) as I could not use the unmetered number (0808) I was shocked when a very proffesional lady answered the phone within 3 rings & sorted the problem in a couple of minutes. That was first class service." - Paul T

"eze, If you are so dissatisfied there then why don't you just leave? No. I don't think you are an employee at all. Just someone spreading rumours like farmers spread shit on their fields. It doesn't smell to good but things really grow well. You stink eze and so does your make believe story. Your employer CAN force you to take a holiday if you haven't taken it by the end of the year. Now get the hell out to the beach and shut the hell up!" - Vic

"Actually as long as an employee is paid (this according to Scots law)an employer does not have to provide work for them." - (No name)

"As long as an employee is paid (this according to Scots law)an employer is not required to provide "work"." - (No name)

"Here we got paid last month only 1 day late and that is a record, but the uncertainty of future wages when the office is closed and we have no contact and we do not even get our calls returned it worrys you. We cannot sign on as long as we are employed. However the employment agency is aware and are continuing an investigation into eze. They are not allowed to advertise in jobcentres because of the past discrepencies! Here getting paid for doing nothing is fustrating but I suppose its tank heaven for small mercys. A lot of people dream of a job where you don't work but get paid! But it is not nice when you are forced into it. PS ezesurf are well aware of who is major player coordinating the staff the account for my email is locked! So I wonder if they will honour their promise and sort things out and give us the solution on the 7th then there is not a problem but if nothing appears then the entire proof of all that has been said has been put together, including a web page which has scanned copies of all documents pertaining to the previous posts eg, monies owed, debt companies unpaid, staff statements to prove the failure on the companies part to pay inland revenue or even register the employees. There have been NO Nat insurance credits paid to the IR and not to drop a bombshell to one of the employees but NO nat credits paid and no tax = NO visa. We have done enough damage to ezesurf by bringing this to your intention. If the staff who helped created Ezesurf cannot trust their employer can you? Plus a point when ISPreview mentioned that the POL was paid in advance, this money that was spent was the last of the 08004u money and should have been paid into our wages at the time. There will be no further posts until we (the staff) hear from eze. However if there are any developments we will be sure to inform those of you who this has interested. Meanwhile Take it eze! Is that proof enough for some of you who is behind this? I bet you wondered where I had got to. I didn't leave you by choice. Look after yourselves ezepeople!" - eze

"Puzzled look........" - Paul T

"So that's where you have been Richard !! Hope it's all sorted out soon." - Dodger

"so the reason i have still not got a working acount is because there is no-one at work - so what of these lazy @#*% at nottingham? they get payed more than you? then why are they not doing more work? ezesurf are useless anyway no-one there seems to have a clue what they are doing and this kinda stuff just further spoils the already mightily embarressed name of 'ezesurf' your company is a joke" - shp

"Well you know now. I have decided to stand up and say what has been going on. Ezesurf should not be embarressed, it should have been sorted out long ago and saved itself the embarrasment! We tried to keep it quiet but sometimes you are ignored enough to go to extreme messures, such as the article posted on Planet Inferno. If we were to be ignored again we would have had no recourse but to visit the other offices and see Matt personally, and that may well still happen if we don't get our demands met! Anyway I don't want to go over it all again, but I have a lot of sorrys to be sad and thank-yous to be given. Firstly, sorry to all the EZE-people I have let down by not being there for you all over the last 2 months. I wanted to be there but I couldn't, my email box grew bigger and bigger, I could not reply to them as there was no answer I could give or no action I could take. I could not tell anyone about the situation by way of a reply to any emails as this could have undermined Eze and we still hoped to a peaceful solution to the situation. Sorry to the people who have been scared by the possibility of Eze going, I will be the first to say that the problems mentioned in the previous posts were real, but not irreversable it can be sorted and we know how, but as usual we have never been listened to. Ezesurf WILL continue! And finnaly Thanks and Sorry to Ben Briscoe who was brought into this by publishing the first story, Ezesurf I believe have unfairly deleted and barred Mr Briscoe from his web site and freecall access. The first thing Ezesurf should do to make amends is to re-instate his access. This is a personal plea to Ezesurf re-connect Ben's Account! Believe it now? I will be available for comment via the Ezeboard message on http://ezepeople.homestead.com Take it Eze, Richard. Am I still employed? I wish I knew." - Richard Barrie

"Is the Ezepeople board still operational? I can't seem to be able to post a message. For what it's worth Richard, you have worked hard for Eze and deserve better. I hope you get things resolved soon. Cheers, Eccles." - eccles




Title: "Ezesurf Down"
Posted by Daniel on 23rd August 2000 at 15:54

It seems as though ezesurf is down at the moment. Here's a comment from our forums:

"I just spoke with the technical service guy about 10 minutes ago. They said that they are fixing their server. The 0845 number crashed today and something else crashed yesterday. The phone was off the hook yesterday and today it's been VERY busy for them. They are also upgrading servers like Besty said. I was told they are upgrading a few servers."


Catrina Said in an email:

"I have just phoned their tech support they say it should be back in a couple of hours? let us pray?"


Lets hope it does come back, we don't want a repeat performance of 08004U.

Comments in reply:
"how strange. visual depth is down too. i wonder if they are somehow connected :)" - buckshot40

"This happened about 2 months ago when they were upgrading.. dunno why everyone worries so much... Funk" - Funk

"Ezesurf (and therfore Visual Depth) are not just down. The telephone number is not available. This normally happens when a telephone number is taken out of service - OR IS CUT OFF." - Anon

"Some people worry because they may of used 08004u which was the name of the ISP that ezesurf used to run and if you search our news archives then you will see why people are being careful. They had no authentication on their dialup number and then closed the service down for months on end promising their customers to send out contracts and even saying each customer will have their own 0800 number to dial upto. Then ezesurf launched and after a bit of digging about we found out that they was 08004U." - Dan Bayliss(ISPr)

"I want to see the Visual Depth Article...where is it? Posting from RHA as I cannot connect using my VD dialup. I also notice N4N have got a big advert on their site for VD, which is a bit off considering! (does money always come b4 scruples?)" - Sockpuppet

"At least there's still someone in the office. Rang rang the Network Status number - 0845 330 0663 - said no problems - yeah right! Rang 0870 444 5555 - Customer Services - spoke to a real woman who said they know there's a problem. Hoping for it to be back upo around 8pm today. I also mentioned was it anything to do with reports of the the site being hacked - to which she said "something like that - yeah". Just hope our Credit Card numbers are safe - sny one know? Pacman PS - actually using RHA for this - would you believe it!" - Pacman

"The same happened a couple of months ago - isn't an ISP allowed to go down for upgrades? :/ Anyway, Ezesurf paid for a year upfront with this service so evne if they 'go bust' the service will remain for another 9 months or so." - (none)

"the service will remain for another 9 months? what makes u think that? you DO realise whether the lines are paid for or not, they have to pay somebody to run all this stuff dont you? its not going to run itself "isnt an isp allowed to go down for upgrades?" erm, no, not in the middle of the fucking day it isnt, "upgrades" are almost always carried out overnight when nobody is using it and dont last what has so far been 9 hours of downtime. I'd also like to point out that the number has a "dead" tone, the same as you get when it no longer exists, which is what the other guy said above. There have been reports of staff not being paid and numerous dodgy dealings with its owner, it looks to me like this all fits in pretty well with the service being dead......we shall see" - (none)

"Forgot to mention the fact that their email system is still working because i can recieve email fine. So the person on the network status line saying their network is working fine is actually correct.........its a shame nobody can connect to this perfectly running network due to them having no phone line to connect to." - (none)

"Hmm It is now 1am in the morning at the network is still down!!! I wonder if it will be up and running by the time i wake up if it isnt must be the worlds longest upgrade ever!! They installing OC928 and Multiple T3 connections i think not!!" - PanTheMan

"9 20 AM 24th Aug Still no Ezesurf?? I think we may soon be giving them the last rites? at least I had good service while it lasted? apart from the Tech Support (What Tech Support} At least We had a good speed whilst it lasted? I just feel sorry for the ones that have joined recently and not had their money's worth? Still I havent given up hope entirely (I think Miracles still happen. "don't they"" - Catrina Day




Title: "Ezesurf Rumours"
Posted by Daniel on 23rd August 2000 at 11:47

Heres some more ezesurf rumours:

"Network cable was bought, and the staff had to network the office themselves. Telephones have been installed in the office for customer support, but are not yet active. Ezesurf's dialup line appears to be down. On contacting Energis we were told that the problem was between Energis and their client (presumably Ezesurf), and that no further information could be given out. Notice: the number goes dead after the 2nd '9' when dialling from a phone"


Ezesurf are still down although they said they would be backup at 8pm. Everything above could potentially be false - it's rumours unless you can physically prove otherwise.

Comments in reply:
"I use ezesurf and it has been excellent for me - does anyone know how I can contact the owner? regards Mike " - Mike Scott




Title: "EzeSurf Update - Not Long Now"
Posted by Mark Jackson on 24th August 2000 at 09:57

One of the oldest WORKING unmetered ISPs, EzeSurf, has failed to surface, it was expected to go live around 8pm Yesterday evening. We've been flooded with mails spitting out rumours on this or that, highlighting several chaos theories =):

1) EzeSurf paid Planet Online (Energis) for the network on a 6th monthly basis and not yearly (ex-internal rumour suggests this could be true). It's been sighted that the reason they have lasted longer than 6months is because the network gave them extra time to come up with the cash.
2) It could be a more serious/permanent problem because a responsible ISP would have given customers advanced notice, EzeSurf did not. But then when did they ever even try to communicate with their customers properly?
3) EzeSurf have run away with our money and are using the down time to make an escape to another country (our favourite =]).

Thankfully things don't look as bad as they seem, these upgrades can often over run especially when they are so deep into the system. We've just checked the forum and one of the members state:

"Apparently they have been (and will be) working on getting it done all day and probably tonight. Oh, and I did ask if they were going to be getting new Support people hired and they said the new folks should be trained by the end of next week."


Well things are looking up, we hope, but why can't we get the theme tune to 2001 out of our heads!?

Comments in reply:
"It would appear that Ezesurf are down and out. A message posted on their Customer Services line is fairly blunt on this point and suggests 2 numbers to ring for further information - both are permanently engaged this morning." - Phil Emmett

"Phil, Can you clarify the message please, we just get a 'This Number is not Recognised', although others have reported a strange message." - KILLZAT - ISPreview.co.uk

"The Customer Services number is 0870 444 5555 and it states that the service has been withdrawn. You are advised to ring either 0115 924 7117 (engaged or no answer) or Head Office (to speak to Kerry Cool(?) on 01382 603360 (permanently engaged)" - Pacman

"Their 0845 number has gone dead today as well, although it was working yesterday. Oh well, was good while it lasted :-)" - Andrew Fenton

"Just got through to the 01382 603360 number and they claim to stll be in operation. The message is confusing on the 0870 444 555 Customer Services number because it is that particular service that's been withdrawn - not the 0808 service. The guy I spoke to reckons it will be a couple of hours as of 12 midday and to check the Ezesurf web-site." - Pacman

"WEll I've phoned and spoke to some employees on IRC and no one seems to think that they are dead yet!! It seems that Energis are the people with the problem. Anyway it was nice access while it lasted and I hope it continues." - Sian




Title: "EzeSurf DEAD - !IT'S OFFICIAL! "
Posted by Mark Jackson on 24th August 2000 at 11:24

Since this news was posted the Ezesurf customer service line directly states they have withdrawn their services. EzeSurf is DEAD =(

You know the problem with rumours is it's usually impossible to know whether they are true or not. One side gives you a rumour and the other denies it, but that doesn't always mean it's false and vica versa. So please remember that the following is likely just a prank, but is supposed to come direct from Energis (Planet Online): EzeSurf have entered receivership yesterday. Energis plc disconnected their telecommunications late yesterday evening due to non-payment, and I believe ourselves will be disconnecting www service today. The good news is we know people inside Energis and will be working to find out the factual evidence. Comments on this post have been disabled so it can be permanently removed if incorrect, which we all hope it is. At present we believe the post to be fake because we had to correct 6 spelling mistakes and the mail footer wasn't correct for Energis, but standby for an update..

Update 1 - 11:09am: More reports are coming in that one of their customer service numbers (before it went dead just moments ago) has been getting strait to the point and claiming EzeSurf are now officially dead. We can't confirm details because the number is now off-line.
Update 2 - 11:20am: The Customer Services number is 0870 444 5555 and it states quite directly that the service has been withdrawn. They then advise you to ring 0115 924 7117 (engaged) or Head Office/Kerry Cool on 01382 603360 (engaged). We’ve now switched this news update to allow comments because EzeSurf are now saying themselves that THEY ARE DEAD!!

Comments in reply:
"OH FOR F**K SAKE!! :) Still.. got 4-5 months worth anyway... Time to find a new one i guess!" - Funk

"Typical, I feel for those people who forked out for their supposed SurfSaver Power at £75.00 and only received a few days access. I suggest they contact their credit card companies and charge back as soon as possible. If anyone know's who the liquidator is, I'd appreciate getting their name and number so I can buy up some of their equipment and their mailing list ;-)" - James Harkin

"Oh f*ck :( Not good :| 'spose we'll have to wait for the unbundling of the local loop before we see any sensible offers from anyone." - Phil

"...and the weak shall die and the strong shall survive... such is the life in the world of a free call isp's..." - John

"It was great while it lasted - faster than most other ISPs that I have tried that didn't have freecall access. I feel sorry for those people who signed up recently. Can anyone recommend a good alternative for those not on a BT line? Will Cable and Wireless ever offer freecall internet access?" - Mark

"doh, this is not good news....back to the tin cans and piece of twine me thinks..." - ralgex

"more info for you - I have just got through on one of the numbers given out on the answering machine message (01382 603360) who has assured me that the 0808 down is due to a technical problem NOT withdrawal of the service. I asked him why the recorder message says "taken out of operation" and he acknowledges that the statement is "badly worded". He tells me that the 0845 dialup has now also been taken down in order to repair whatever problem has taken out the 0808 - anyone comment on this? Haven`t paid the bill perhaps :~) He also says that they are hoping to have full service back "by the end of the day" and to watch www.ezesurf.co.uk - they WILL be posting an announcement shortly. Like the rest of you, I`ll be watching carefully for developments. . ." - BitStar

"Oh Well got 6 months out of it, but it does hack me off that they dont even have the decency to even convey the official line to thier punters. Best 39 quid I ever spent. I suppose I better get ADSL now...BAH" - Steve Robertson

"Guess Visual Depth have come to the end too then? I've had my monies worth, and paid for the service after agreing the T&C's. They were never going to last for ever, but it is sad to see them go..." - Ben Briscoe

"Just got through to the 01382 603360 number and they claim to stll be in operation. The message is confusing on the 0870 444 555 Customer Services number because it is that particular service that's been withdrawn - not the 0808 service. The guy I spoke to reckons it will be a couple of hours as of 12 midday and to check the Ezesurf web-site." - Pacman

"Loosh, hope the newz about being down temporarily is true... smiling again. ralgex." - ralgex

"How does this affect Visual Depth Customers? I thought the two were connected?" - Paul Hendrick

"Who the hell is visual depth?" - Phil

"What will be really amusing is how Visual Depth explain why their "service" is no longer working, and how long it'll be to fix...... :-)" - Andrew Fenton




Title: "EzeSurf !NOT DEAD! - Yeah this is fun!"
Posted by Mark Jackson on 24th August 2000 at 12:11

*Update 16:15*

When we rang Ezesurf they told us that the service should be online within 48 hours from this morning. Wow EzeSurf really know how to [insert profanity] people off, mind you they have admitted it's their mistake this time as a comment poster states:

more info for you -
I have just got through on one of the numbers given out on the answering machine message (01382 603360) who has assured me that the 0808 down is due to a technical problem NOT withdrawal of the service. I asked him why the recorder message says "taken out of operation" and he acknowledges that the statement is "badly worded". He tells me that the 0845 dialup has now also been taken down in order to repair whatever problem has taken out the 0808 - anyone comment on this? Haven’t paid the bill perhaps :~) He also says that they are hoping to have full service back "by the end of the day" and to watch www.ezesurf.co.uk - they WILL be posting an announcement shortly. Like the rest of you, I’ll be watching carefully for developments. . .


Thanks to the poster for that, although they still don't know why the 0808 number is down so how can they expect to fix it? As such the rumour E-Mail below still stands, awaiting direct confirmation from Energis. Perhaps an English tutor well versed in business phrases could give them a lesson or two on how to avoid such things - just bad timing?

Comments in reply:
"If you remember the days of 08004u you may recall that the English language is obviously not their first, second or probably even third language ! 08004u statements were terribly misleading and often incorrect - in their favour and against them - Coherent simply they can't string together a sentence ;-)" - Gary B

"Latest info on the web site shows this. (My bet is its dead) -> Sorry! Ezesurf would like to apologise to it's shareholders for the service being unavailable at this time. Ezesurf will be making an official statement within the next 48 hours, until then we will not be accepting any more registrations. Sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause." - Steve Robertson

"This is not abusive, but ezesurf are scottish arnt they? maybe thats why they misworded it" - Ben

"You can take it that the service is now dead and buried. The announcement in the next couple of days will be to tell us that the company has gone into receivership." - Robert McAulay

"I tend to agree.." - Steve Robertson

"Heh... Only got my account activated on Tuesday, so I've got about 4 hours use out of Ezesurf. £10 an hour makes AOL look like value for money... ;)" - PyramidHead

"Hmmm, so if Ezesurf have gone under - here's a thought. Why don't energis offer the service themselves directly ? (After all Energis should be able to get the best rates possible on running the 0800/0808 - since they run a bucketload of 080[08]s ! How about it Energis !!" - Anon

"I JUST spoke with them on their 01382(?) line. He assured me that Ezesurf IS NOT down permanently. He said that they are having major phone line problems, but everything should be up and running in about 3 hours. Now to the web page. If any of you were like me - I read that page like they were telling us in 48 hours they are going to make the OFFICIAL statement that Ezesurf is down for good. They told me, however, that the web page was meant to say that 'in 48 hours they will post WHAT HAPPENED these last 3 days.' According to this bloke, everything is fine - they are just having line problems... he even chuckled when I asked if Ezesurf was done." - Roy Bowen

"I must say I am sorry for those that have only been with Ezesurf for a short time especially those that have coughed up £75. after being stung by buzzline (got my money back after 2 months) and seeing the performance of other cheap service providers. I would now think twice before putting money into other cheap ISPs. I paid £39 to Ezesurf but I reckon I have had good service for 6 months (apart from tech support) I reckon I have had my money's worth. I would say to anyone that wants a cheap reliable service, get in line and wait for NTL its free its reliable and big." - Catrina Day

"I`m gonna start up an ISP. Take lots of cash off everyone. Give them web access when I feel like it, no support, no information, pull the plug when I feel like it at frequent intervals just to p*iss everyone off. Anyone want to help out, say being a chuckling bloke on a phone perhaps? :-)" - BitStar

"jeezus. everyones acting like a gang of hairdressers! calm down. its not official yet, so just chill." - nuyorica

"Ezesurf is definately not dead. It shall return shortly. I guarantee it." - tooquicktojudge

"Well, i wouldn't mind them upgrading their servers just that some warning would be nice since we are MEMBERS we should be entitled to be treated that way! As for their site, thats also DOWN so how are you supposed to check it. I think next time they decide to do major changes liek this it wouldnt be so hard to let everybody know first :(" - Sly_Dog

"Further to Rob Bowen's post above, I too have just spoken to a (perhaps the same) man on the Dundee number. He told me basically the same. However, under pressure, he also admitted that he wasn't 100% sure what was going on. I asked him if he was any more aware than we were and he said "only a little". I feel bad for the lad I spoke to and his colleagues, who are still standing by the service and manning the phones, when the service is, in all likliehood dead and buried, along with their jobs. I wish them good luck." - Ian Spence

"Hmmm... I don't know. The chuckling bit wasn't harsh enough. Now, what do you think about laughing uncontrollably. I think that adds a better twist to it. Let's get serious for a minute, though. At least Ezesurf has been consistent... they've consistently p*ssed everyone off! :>" - Roy Bowen

"Okay Roy, you`re in, laughing uncontrollably it is. Seriously, if they have gone down they will me laughing at me. I`ve had four days access for £97.50. Even AOL would`ve been cheaper !" - BitStar

"Its a great service until now, im not getin caught up in this doom and gloom. I cant see a company offering new products and then a couple of days later going down. Give them a chance." - Arb

"Note to Mr "tooquicktojudge" (above) - will you guarantee me my 100 quid if they don`t return?" - BitStar

"The website has changed ever so slightly: Sorry! Ezesurf would like to apologise to it's shareholders for the service being unavailable at this time. We are aiming to have the current situation rectified in due course. Ezesurf will be making an official statement within the next 48 hours, until then we will not be accepting any more registrations. Sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause. 0870 4442144" - Phil

"Mark, since when did bad spelling or bad grammar suggest an item may be a fake? Whilst I read your comments often and appreciate the news items you and your colleagues really have a very poor grasp of English grammar. A few days ago a story......' I would of' when you really meant ' I would have' Cheers anyway" - jonfpc

"Okay BitStar, I might be able to 'one-up' you. I upgraded my account yesterday! (On the Internet - I didn't call and get it activiated yet). Now, I don't know when they actually take the money from my card, but if they do it when you upgrade on the website, I'll be getting charged for a service I never had! hahaha Hopefully they don't charge until you call them and they actually activate it." - Roy Bowen

"If it is only a phone line problem why have they taken down the whole site and stopped taking registrations?" - Robert mcAulay

"I bought 400 level C shares because I thought they would be worth something. Now I am a bit worried as I haven't received my shares and I have only used it for a month. After spending £240 on shares I feel a bit cheated. Anyway I hope this all gets sorted." - Mark Curren

"um...forgive ignorance but which webiste has the updated comment...the ezesurf.co.uk is just flash riddled sales pitch which doesnt seem to have anthing relating to the current downtime." - julian knott

"Julian, just go to www.ezesurf.co.uk without the "/indexie.htm" after it. This one had me too !" - BitStar

"Well, it doe snot look good put it that way. It seems like a series of complete and utter useless buffoons running the show anyway. Having said that I'd still love to know where they ever intended to make money from this service?? I'm not happy about the situation, but I feel unlike others I have got some value for my money, 6months for 37 quid. you cant knock that, and just to make sure I never really got hit hard if it did fail, I use(d) ezesurf for connections only." - Steve Robertson

"Robert, I'm not going to defend them... heck, I don't have a clue what is REALLY going on... however, First thing was that their 0808 number (or 0845) went down. Then their computer log that upgrades all accounts went down (that was yesterday, I think). Then the phone lines... Someone here recently posted that things never go as they are planned. I'm a Network Administrator (as many of you might be). I definitely know what it's like when things don't go to plan. One minute you are configuring a network card, and the next you have to pull out the PCMCIA reader because it's conflicting, and then the power blew because of the wrong voltage setting, and then you get frustrated, plug the keyboard into the mouse port - and the mouse into the keyboard port, and then nothing works. Phew... and that just happened this morning!!! :>" - Roy Bowen

""Note to Mr "tooquicktojudge" (above) - will you guarantee me my 100 quid if they don`t return?" Er no. Thats not my problem. Presuming you used some brain cells, you'd have paid on Credit Card and will be able to get a refund should you find it doesn't arrive back. For info, the current phone number for freecalls is not "dead" it's merely not able to route to it's final destination. That suggests it's more of a problem as Eze have said, rather than a total meltdown of Eze." - tooquicktojudge

"C'mon everyone read the T & Cs one more time." - brat

"Julian, just go to www.ezesurf.co.uk without the "/indexie.htm" after it. This one had me too !" - BitStar

"Maybe a glimmer of hope, is that their email is still working... It was great while it lasted, if it IS dead." - RobE

"Ezesurf's website is back in action? 0808 is not let us pray once again Catrina Day" - Catrina Day

"Ezesurf's website is back in action? 0808 is not let us pray once again Catrina Day" - Catrina Day

"From what i have read and heard i think the service should be ok and be back within the next few days. But there is on thing that i think ezesurf should do (if they coem back ;P). We all bought shares right, but we dont have any written proof that we have the shares(Only confirmation was the results of a CGI script that says somthing like "You have just purchased X Level C Shares"). I think ezesurf should give us some kind of confirmation or proof we have them, and also they should give us an indication of when they are floating. l8rs" - Ben

"Ben, I dont fully understand the Shares thing at all, but essentially they are worthless until such a time as they can float. However, should they decide to float what exactly would they be telling thier investors?, we give out cheap internet access and have no way of recouping the money? seems to me they need to sign up with a few dozen content providers and insisting that we all read thier ads 100 times a day. They are not a revenue earning organisation yet, and nobody in thier right mind would buy into them. Still clinging to a bit of hope here, but it dont look good." - Steve Robertson

"OK, as far as I see it, we have all heard the stuf about staff not getting paid, and the owner of the company doing various dodgy dealings with running other companies and telling nobody. The way I see it, they decided to double the price for a coupld of weeks to get as much money as possible before the service went down, they knew it was going down (or the boss man did) and wanted to get as much money out of it as possible before it did, thats why they upped the price and added a couple more features. Thats my theory.....we shall see" - Ewok

"Normally when some says they will be realeasing a statement, instead of just getting back to normal, it usually means ... BYE! I think there's a very high chance that this could be the end of Ezesurf, the question now it, do you trust anyone other ISP, you could always try DodgySurf.com" - Ex-Ezesurf

"A woman at ezesurf has assured me that it IS a technical problem and that they are still in buisness and everything is working apart from the phone lines. She said that she is sitting in the brand new customer service building. I said that the website announcment sounds they are closing down - she said she'll speak to her collegues about getting it changed to say that its a technical problem and that they are trying to remedy it. She also said that all the posts about them closing down is just rumour. Do we believe them?!?" - Ezesurf News ...

"Well if they do come back would any other people out there be prepared to purchase say another £10 of shares each, to help the service continue?" - l

"If Ezesurf are having problems with money or lack of funds i would suggest to them that Im sure some people wouldnt mind payin a years subscription £20 to £10 - Because ezesurf connections are quick and no fuss,ok maybe some people had problems trying to activate their account - but in the end when you get on its superb - I for one wont mind paying for a years subscription because so far ive saved £600 in internet costs - if ezesurf does end it will be a sad loss to a great service and who cares about the shares,I wanted the 24/7 0808 and i got it so no complaints from me - All in all the majority of customers are sayin:- "WE WANT YOU BACK EZESURF!!!"" - Ezesurf Customer

"I think the boss men are in discussion at the moment, deciding whether to continue the service or not. Thats why I believe that they are accepting no more registrations at the moment so it could go either way and if the service does continue it looks like their could be some changes. Good luck to all those who are subscribed to Easy Surf." - James

"If they scrapped the 2 hour cut-offs, I'd still be willing to pay £15-20 per month." - James Harkin

"OK let me put it this way, if its just a technical problem with the phone lines like they are saying and will be rectified in a couple more hours, WHY would they stop taking any more subscriptions? It's not common practice for an isp to stop taking subscriptions the second it has a problem with its dial up lines or network." - Ewok

"I agree that it would be a great idea to introduce a yearly fee to help the company survive (if it is in the red). I dont want to lose this isp. ive had no problems what so ever till this. RHA is total pants. and im not paying £70 for an isp that takes 69 years to connect. Why doesnt someone start a poll and track people who would be prepared to pay a yearly fee and let ezesurf know (again, if they are in the red). This tension is killing me!! SO EZESURF ========== Heeeeeyyyyy Heeeeyyyyy Heeeeeeyyyyyyy Heeeeyyy Heeeeyyy Heeeyyyy I Say Hey WHATS GOING ON!" - Ben

"Ben, I agree. I haven't even started the service yet, and I'm willing to pay more. I'm telling you, the thing that does it for me is the 128K access. I'll be paying 97-ish right now, but I'd be more than willing to pay 150 if that's what it takes. Come on EzeSurf... we know you read these posts... whadya say???" - Roy Bowen

"Hehe - Reply address optimistic - But what the heck. I seriously hope that it isn't the end - It would be a real shame. Apart from a rough spell a few weeks ago I have found the service of a high standard. Again, I'd be behind an annual subscription to keep the service alive... but costs within reason of course - Remember that Clara's 24/7 package is imminent (tm) Tech Support Line : "We are a aware of a network issue and hope to have it resolved presently" (or words to that effect) - Nothing to say "We've run off with all yer dosh! Nyer-Nyer!" - So hopefully the rumour-mill's theory is bogus. BTW - /me think Ben listens to too much 4-Non-Blondes :)" - BigDavey

"I've been with Ezesurf for 6 months too, and have always been happy with the service [although I've never had to try to ring them, I have to admit]. So - if they aren't dead, and there's nothing to say they are yet - I too would be happy to pay a monthly fee for their services if it keeps them in business. I'd just look on the last 6 months as £39-worth of trial access! I don't think I'd quite trust them with a year's fee upfront however . . .??" - Caroline

"Interestingly, Visual Depth is also down. . . Now, how do YOU explain that one Mr Redfern?" - Kuppa

"All you ezesurf people - get on to 24-7freecall.net and save yourself all this agro - been connected by modem for over three days yyeeeeehhhaaa £5 per week - unmetered - what more do you need" - ROb

"I've just remembered, You are going to be explaining that one next month aren't you Mr Redfern. . ." - Kuppa

"Rob, You are a disgrace to the human race." - Fred

"Rob, why on earth do you need to stay connected for 3 whole days to 24-7 Freecall, if you can dial in again easily enough every time? Surely you sleep sometimes? I don't see the point in abusing the service when it isn't necessary. If people have been trying to run on Ezesurf like this too, no wonder they are in trouble." - Pam

"Pam, He's probably downloading "warez" and "porn" all day and night." - Mr Man

"new message from ezesurf... Original Message ----- From: Daniel J Blamire Newsgroups: alt.internet.providers.uk.0800 Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2000 6:41 PM Subject: EZESURF - NEW INFORMATION!!!! > Just called one of their telephone numbers (0800 0 838311) and they are now > stating the following: > > The 0808 service will be back up in 3 days time. > > The service will be RESTRICTED to 8pm-12am weekdays, and 9am-5pm Weekends. > > All users will be charged an EXTRA £150 for the service!! > > Just found that message now (Thursday 24th Aug 18:30) > > Daniel" - ewan

"I like all the rumours, and I liked the chuckling people in the call centre. You lot are a great read. We are not going anywhere, I have just got back here! Well stay with us and it will be sorted, well thats what I have been told and this seems truthful enough for me. I am looking forward to working with you all again. Richard Take it Eze!" - Richard Barrie

"Drop me a line Richard, I'd like a chat - haven't heard from you in ages - Ben" - Ben Briscoe

"Hiya Ben, yep long time no see, I will mail you later if I ever get home! As for the above post about 150 evenings and weekends and liquidation notices on the 0800 number are false and are the work of some twisted people who are not connected with the dundee office please ignore these notices. C-ya all Take it EzE Richard" - Rich B

"Phone 0800 0838311 which is Ezesurf support line and it says they have gone into liquidation today !" - Sockpuppet

"From a post above: "A woman at ezesurf has assured me that it IS a technical problem and that they are still in buisness and everything is working apart from the phone lines. She said that she is sitting in the brand new customer service building." 'brand new customer service building'? lol, must be something of a Jeff's mum's kitchen (Foxglove) http://www.foxglove.co.uk/status/index.html (look for 6/03/00)" - Surfsaver Powder cleans you out

"So this is it. RIP ezesurf, you shall be missed :~(" - Ben




Title: "EzeSurf Cut-Off - CONFIRMED + VisualDepth Update - Ezesurf Reply"
Posted by Mark Jackson on 24th August 2000 at 19:50

*UPDATED*

Well take note that you heard it here first; we've just got word of clarity from an OFFICIAL Energis source:

We can confirm that Ezesurf is an existing Energis customer. The services provided are connectivity and web hosting. However, as of 12.00 Thursday 24 August 2000, we are no longer providing an 0800 service, which may affect access. We cannot comment on the reasons for the service non-provision at this time. Please address any further enquiries to the Ezesurf press office." http://www.ezesurf.co.uk This basically means that there is no problem with Energis and Energis-Squared providing an 0800 freecall access service.


The two key statements above were written somewhat contradicting each other, so we asked for a clearer and more decisive response:

"We are no longer providing an 0800 freecall service for Ezesurf. We can provide an 0800 freecall service for other customers (Energis)."


In other words, EzeSurf hasn't paid the bill and is stalling for an update while they try to work out what to do. Clearly with a subscriber base of some 100,000 customers, EzeSurf is in trouble and hopefully they will issue that statement earlier. Now here's the second problem, VisualDepth, the ISP we investigated and only a month ago formally accused of technically fraudulent behaviour by reselling EzeSurf accounts unofficially and for higher prices, has also died. As such the twist of events has forced ISPreview to reveal a second truth several weeks ahead of time. After our investigation VisualDepth came clean and admitted to us that our allegations were 100% correct. We agreed to give them until the end of September to sort a new service and make a formal apology to us and EzeSurf/Clients. Obviously these latest events have changed things dramatically! VisualDepth is obviously just as dead as EzeSurf because they have broken the law with their activities by doing exactly what we accused them of. We'll publish full details tomorrow and reveal everything; it's late now and today’s been one heck of a day! Remember you heard it here first. Search our news (under headlines on the left) for 'Visual Depth' if you want to find Julys Concluded Investigation post.

Ezesurf Reply
We rang Ezesurf to get some comment on this news and they have admitted that:
Their 0808 number was cut-off by Energis.
Their director has been in talks with Energis today.
The man we spoke to didn't know whether they were cut-off because of a communication problems between the companies or for financial reasons.
A statement will appear on their official website in 48 hours on how they will rectify the situation.

 

 

More to follow...