Earlier this month, more than 3,000
Internet subscribers were stranded when Toronto-based ISP OCTonline closed
shop without notice.
Toronto’s largest independent ISP, Internet
Direct, was flooded with calls from confused and angry Internet users.
Internet Direct responded by purchasing the equipment and user list from
the receiver, and has offered to cushion the blow by granting OCTonline
subscribers three free months access on Internet Direct.
“We were appalled at the way these folks were cut off without warning,” said
John Nemanic, president of Internet Direct, and a founding board member of
CAIP, the Canadian Association of Internet
Providers. “This news was a black eye to all ISPs. We’re stepping up to the
plate to help these folks out, and to demonstrate our commitment to the
Internet users of Toronto.”
“Internet Direct is a very stable company, having posted profits the past
three years, but not all companies in Toronto have such demonstrated
stability,” says Nemanic. “We offer a monthly payment plan option to our
subscribers as well as annual pre-payments.”
“We’re stepping in to help out these users,” says Nemanic. “Internet
Direct’s gift to OCTonline users will total more than $242,000 in value,
and it is our hope that this small investment will reassure these users, and
cushion the blow.”
