Breathe Networks Limited (BNL) has apparently taken over full control of Viatel's (formerly Netcom UK) remaining dialup ISP customers. The move took affect earlier this week when Breathe gained responsibility for service payment processing and invoicing.

In a letter sent to customers by Breathe, the new owner warned that it would shortly begin moving "current Netcom email addresses to new servers" and that it would "write to all users in due course to advise ... of the changes". Customers are still awaiting the details.

The move is the latest in what appears to be a long line of small ISP acquisitions, which has seen Breathe consume both Zetnet and Fast4 over the past three months. Customers will no doubt be hoping that breathe’s prior e-mail problems don't come back to haunt it yet again. Several users have already complained that they received no warning about the move.