Well, I'm pretty sure MyZones is dead and I can't detect any response from the instruments - so I suspect life support will be switched off, shortly.

But after Invisible Networks collapsed last year, and now Myzones, there are bound to be serious questions about the viability of WiFi as a way of providing public Internet.

Are these questions valid? Or is there something else going on behind the scenes which should be investigated?

Guy take a look at http://wireless.ecademy.com/node.php?id=20463 in which C M-B says that it was a funding issue that resulted in the fall of the business.

I can confirm that MyZones have been dead for the last 4 weeks.

There has been no means of contacting them from the website, the 0800 number tells me that the number has changed, as does the 0870 number. The tech support number just ringss continuously.

I had to phone BT Wholesale who told me that Poptel were the ISPs that held by connection. After phoning the office at Manchester Science park I was finally connected to Real Poptel (after also calling numerous other people including the phone co-op who despite claiming they are nothing to do with Poptel or Myzones are still listed as being part of the Poptel group). Real Poptel are, according to fax headers are located in Essex.

After finally contacting Real Poptel, (who don't deny holding the CBUK number for my telephone number) I was told that I was able to take out a contract with them; but they are unable to give me my CBUK number. Ideally I would have changed to Pipex, however as I require ADSL as a matter of urgency (and need RP to disclose my CBUK number) then this was not an open option for me.

I was told by Real Poptel that I would have my Connection by 16 April. I am still waiting.

If my connection is not resumed soon, then it appears that my only option will be to take the matter to Ofcom.

Latest: I've heard from Dr Stuart Marsden and he says he never was a director but would have been, if SUM International had invested as planned.

It may just be me, but I get the distinct impression that the Myzones collapse has hit Real Poptel quite hard, and that they're going to be a bit tardy in getting around to all MyzZones customers.

There are "lawsuits pending" is the other obvious thing...

Operative: http://www.myzones.co.uk