OzEmail claims it was in discussions with the junior Internet Service Provider prior to its decision to go into administration, which occurred yesterday, to obtain its 30,000 subscriber base and is now in a position to extend a lifeline to Asia Online's Net access customers. The package includes subscribers being able maintain their Asia Online e-mail address which will be transferred to the OzEmail service without incurring any registration fees or set-up delays.
Web hosting clients are also likely to be offered a direct transfer, according to OzEmail spokesperson David Bathur.
"We've been flooded by responses so far," Bathur said, adding that OzEmail was confident of a high uptake to its current subscriber base of around the 500,000 mark.
"It's a situation where customers can only benefit," Bathur said, pointing to the fact that OzEmail already offers -very, very competitive pricing in comparison to their [Asia Online's] existing package".
"It's a way to make the transfer as painless as possible for Asia Online customers and to ensure uninterrupted service for them," he added.
Asia Online was unavailable for comment.
This is a good move for Asia Online customers, though I suspect many of the 30000 have moved on earlier.
As a former associate of the company, I am not at all surprised by the demise of Asia Online in Australia. Proves once again that any company has to understand the market, listen and develop and implment appropriate stategies. Or in other words a) do the right things and b) do the right things very well to succeed, and Asia Online corporate nor Australian management failed their customers and staff.