UK ISP Coms to Terminate Email and Webhosting Services

Business ISP Coms, which earlier this year created some customer frustrations with its mixed attempt to merge ADSL24’s (So Purple Group) old broadband subscriber base (here) into their own operations, has this week informed many of the same users that they now plan to terminate their old email and web hosting services.

In a new letter titled “Important Information about your Coms services“, which is this week being distributed to existing Coms broadband subscribers, the ISP states that the cost of maintaining their email and webhosting service was deemed to be “unsustainable” and as a result the related services will thus be scrapped from 30th September 2014 (at least they’ve given customers time to adapt).

One of my immediate family members, whom has been using the service since it was part of ADSL24 when they claim the service and support appeared to be much stronger, has kindly forwarded us a copy of the latest message.

Changes to Coms Provision Services

Dear J******,

I am writing to provide you with 30 days’ notice of our intention to vary the terms and conditions of your contract with Coms Ltd, specifically in relation to the provision of services.

After careful consideration we have decided that on the 30th September 2014 we will be terminating our email and web hosted services. Our decision has been based on the ongoing viability of providing these services, which is unsustainable.

All of our broadband and telephone line connections and associated packages will remain unchanged. I understand that this decision could have a negative impact for some of our customers and I would like to apologise in advance for the inconvenience this may cause.
Please ensure that you migrate your email and web hosted services prior to the 30th September 2014 as our supply of these services will cease on this date.

We are here to help should you need anything further in relation to this or any other matter, please either email our customer service team, or telephone the customer services department on 0330 300 9000.

Yours sincerely,

Steven Shears
Head of Customer Services

As usual we always advise that anybody who needs email, especially for business purposes, should look towards a freemail or dedicated email provider that is separate from your ISP. This gives you more flexibility to switch ISPs when problems like this arise and without having to change your vital contact details. Luckily my family member took that advice but others may not be so lucky.

Many customers have already moved away during the ADSL24 > Coms migration phase and this latest development could well push a few more over the edge to seek out alternatives.