Thanks to Robert for pointing out that Community Mesh, a wireless ISP 'dedicated' to delivering broadband Internet access and community services to rural areas, has closed its service due to lack of financial support.

The following announcement has been sent to customers and pre-registrants:

Dear All,

Community Mesh has recently been involved in the raising of funds to support the operation and roll out of its network in Kent and East Sussex.

Unfortunately despite all our efforts, we have been unable to gain the financial support necessary to sustain the company going forward.

As a result of this we have had to make the painful decision to shut down our network. This will be effective from the end of this week (Friday 16th January 2004), unless funds become available in the meantime. I know this will be disappointing news for you, as it is for us.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for supporting us.

Regards,

Anthony Wright
Chief Executive
http://www.communitymesh.com

This was no small project and CM already had several areas in Bayham Abbey, Lamberhurst, Mayfield, Wadhurst Live and Rotherfield online with many more to go.

Sadly it now becomes only the latest in a growing string of community projects to fail, hopefully more will not follow. Clearly the economic support for many, or a poor business plan and threat from ADSL is simply too much.