UK broadband provider VISPA has ceased trading and plans to commence liquidation proceedings, sending an email to customers advising them to cancel direct debits and find a new ISP immediately.
UK broadband company VISPA has informed its customers that it has ceased operations and advised them to ‘cancel direct debits’. The long-standing provider announced plans to “commence liquidation proceedings” in an email sent to its subscribers.
Established in 1999, VISPA instructed its customers to “immediately” find an alternative broadband provider, as reported by ISPreview.
The company offered a variety of Openreach-based broadband packages and had recently branched out into full fibre (FTTP) broadband networks, while also running its own Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network.
However, ISPreview had previously pointed out several issues plaguing the company, including outstanding debts, complications with the firm’s registered address, and negative reviews on Trustpilot, reports the Express.
The publication has now disclosed that numerous VISPA customers received an email from the company’s chief executive, which read: “We are writing to inform you that Vispa Limited has ceased trading and decided to commence liquidation proceedings.
“As a result, we regret to advise that Vispa will no longer be able to continue providing broadband services. To avoid any interruption to your connectivity, you will need to immediately choose a new Internet Service Provider (ISP) as soon as possible.
“Most providers on the Openreach network are able to take over your existing line with minimal disruption. You can find a list of alternative suppliers here: https://www.openreach.com/help-and-support/service-providers-on-our-network.
“We also strongly recommend that you cancel any active Direct Debit or standing order you have in place with Vispa Limited to prevent any further payments being taken.
“We understand this news may be inconvenient and we sincerely apologise for the disruption this causes. We would like to thank you for your custom and support over the years.”
VISPA director James Ormerod, who penned the letter, advised customers to “cancel your direct debit”. VISPA’s announcement did not provide its remaining customers with a specific date for the termination of the service. Currently, the VISPA website’s service status page reads “down for maintenance”.
It states: “The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.”
According to the Companies House website, Vispa Limited has an “active proposal to strike off”, indicating it is in the process of being removed from the register and dissolved.
One customer, Dr Fender, vented his frustration on X: “My c***** internet service provider that hosts my domain and email, @vispainternet, has yet again gone down and they’re unresponsive. How do I complain? They’re not registered with the ombudsman or any of the schemes (of course). #Vispa #ISP #complaint.”