ISP Gio Internet is no stranger to controversy, but the events of the past 48 hours have left many customers bewildered and concerned for the future. It started with a message on Gio's site stating 'Gio have not paid their bills' and a link to rival F1Internet.

It soon emerged that NetServices, which appears to provide at least some wholesale services to Gio, are attempting to claim over £220k in unpaid bills:

19/11/2004 - Statement From NetServices Plc regarding Gio Internet Limited and F1 Internet

Gio Internet Limited currently owe NetServices Plc over £220k. This debt incorporates invoices several months old. NetServices Plc believes that Gio Internet Limited have no ability to clear this debt. NetServices Plc have provided Gio Internet Limited with numerous opportunities to settle their debt. We believe Gio Internet Limited have been commercially obstructive which has forced NetServices Plc to take protective action.

Furthermore NetServices Plc can confirm that to the best of our knowledge several other key distributors are in the midst of taking aggressive actions against Gio Internet Limited to cover and support their positions.

F1 Internet is in no way owned by NetServices Plc. F1 Internet have confirmed to NetServices Plc that any customers who opt to use F1 Internet as their broadband provider will have the same level or better service than has been enjoyed in the past. NetServices Plc is the provider of services to F1 Internet and therefore we can confirm continuity of service. F1 Internet is a brand operated by an existing NetServices Plc customer.

It's worth noting that F1Internet is, like Gio, also no stranger to controversy having tried to take customers from ISP Firenet before (HERE). The ISP itself has a completely blank 'contact' page and shows a design similar to countless other vISPs.

Typically the events of the past 48 hours have Gio's remaining customers rightly concerned, especially given past rumours that the provider was tittering on the edge and could go bust.

Gio itself has yet to issue a statement, which is a worrying sign, if perhaps not surprising given their track record with customer communication. However, we have had a limited communication ourselves, in which Gio states the NetServices accusations to be untrue.

Hopefully we can get further comment and information on the situation shortly, although for many the events of the past 48 hours will have been enough. Gio may have an increasingly uphill struggle to retain its customer based with such uncertainty hanging in the air.