Metronet to stop free Binaries Newsgroups access

"In 30 days time access to binary newsgroups using our news server will no longer be possible, however you will still be able to use our news server to access text-only discussion groups. This decision has been made due to the relatively small number of customers we have using the service compared to the operational and maintenance costs associated with it.

We would like to make it clear that this change will *not* affect your ability to use your Metronet Internet connection to access binary newsgroups using other third-party news server providers.

We hope you can understand the reasoning behind our decision and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued custom.

If you still require access to binary newsgroups after we've made these service alterations then you may want to consider purchasing a premium news account from a third party supplier such as Giganews, Astraweb or Supanews."

Was always a useful part of the service with Metronet and one of the reasons I went with them originally (a few years back now)

Good old Plusnet strikes again, a little more erosion of the old Metronet. And another reason for looking elsewhere.

@nick2nick, are you one of the ones who made regular use of the service then? During the last 3 weeks or so we've had less than 100 customers use the service. That includes those who who only accessing the text groups too (which will still be possible).

I'm sure you can respect the fact that it really doesn't make commercial sense for us to be paying for a binary feed when we've so few customers taking advantage of the service. It can't really be used as a selling point either as we no longer accept Metronet signups.

tis regrettable PN did this a fair old while back - but I understand even ZEN are doing/have done the same.

Edited

"In February 2009, we announced the withdrawal of our Binary News Service which was scheduled for May 1, 2009. This withdrawal has now been rescheduled to May 19, 2009. Please note the Text-Based News Service will be unaffected by this change."

Detail re Zens cancellation of Free Binary News

Edited by deleted (Mon 20-Jul-09 16:48:44)

I am one of the 100 Bob.

I understand your commercial situation, and as long as you respect my commercial situation (Tiscali = £14.99/mo - saving £5 - Newsgroups access = £7 ish total = £22 rather than £27 with you), then we will be fine

I expect you will want to charge me when I leave though.

In reply to a post by nick2nick:

I am one of the 100 Bob.

I understand your commercial situation, and as long as you respect my commercial situation (Tiscali = £14.99/mo - saving £5 - Newsgroups access = £7 ish total = £22 rather than £27 with you), then we will be fine

I expect you will want to charge me when I leave though.

Ummm.

Even with Plusnet's faults, I would think a move to Tiscali could prove less than pleasant. Even though ownership has changed, has the user experience yet?

Link to comparisons.

I use ASTRAWEB.COM which does a 25 (US Dollar) package for about 180GB binary download rather than a monthly subscription deal. There are other fixed amounts of downloads deals on other news servers - all with varying speed / connection limits.

David

via this link http://www.newsgroupreviews.com/newsdemon-highlights... 45GB @ $8.44/mo (just over £5) which equates directly to the 45GB I could have had on the Metronet account. Or I could go for a yearly 500GB for $65.

Hi there,

I'm not sure with Metronet package you're on, or how your usage stacks up, but a move to Plusnet or Madasafish may be more beneficial?

Madasafish have binary access which may work out OK for you, failing that you could make a saving on Plusnet which would make up for paying for binary access.

If I can help, or if you'd like to check out the options, give me a shout.

I think it would be prudent to inform the Metronet customer that switching to Madasafish or Plusnet would mean a minimum 12 month contract.

An offer to check out the options has been made. Of courrse nothing is ever positive inthe Plusnet world is it wingco? No doubt he would have the option to revert back within a month if an alternative did not prove suitable.