Much like AOL, Beeb.net has failed to adapt to the changing landscape and has seen its number of subscribers dwindle and dwindle.  Beeb was operated by the BBC’s commercial wing, BBC Worldwide.

According to The Guardian, Beeb offered web hosting, dial-up and broadband access as well as free web-based email but will shut down all services after June 30.

Subscribers are believed to have dropped below 250 (yes, just 250) which is said to be due to competition from BSkyB and Virgin media which offer packages that include home phone, broadband and digital TV (much like Comcast or Verizon does State side).

A spokesperson for Beeb said,

“Beeb.net was launched in 1999 when accessing the internet was a new and different thing for people and it wanted to be a trusted guide.  The market was very different 10 years ago. It just doesn’t fit with our core value any more – there’s no need to get help on the internet any more.”

Back in 2001 the service became profitable and had 140,00 users, in 2003 the FreeBeeb service was launched, in 2008, Beeb.net was shut down; life went on.

The BBC is advising existing Beeb.net subscribers to seek alternative services immediately.

Related:

Entry was posted on Friday, April 18th, 2008 at 5:06 pm under Uncategorized.

Read more entries by Jonathan Schlaffer.
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