CallNet boasts big numbers in spite of problems

But no end in sight for backlog of subscribers waiting to join the service

Toll-free ISP, CallNet 0800, claims 100,000 people are now using its service and that it will meet its target of 200,000 users by Christmas. Although the figures reveal that at least some people managed to register for the service -- especially in the wake of the calamitous start to the venture -- the ISP would not say how many people are caught up in its backlog. Nor does it take into account the fact that CallNet 0800 suspended its registration service a fortnight ago because it was simply overwhelmed by the response from Net users. However it's feasible that tens -- if not hundreds -- of thousands of Net users are pulling out their hair waiting to be signed up to the service that promises unmetered Internet access. For those that did manage to register their details, the ISP said that all outstanding applications would be processed in the chronological order in which they were received, although a spokesman said he had no idea exactly when the backlog would be cleared. "People will begin to see a significant improvement within seven days," he said thanks to the introduction of a "new, speedier online registration service". Today's milestone aside, CallNet 0800 cannot appease frustrated Net users forever with promises that everything will be sorted soon. If the number - and tone - of the emails received at The Register is anything to go by, then there are some very hacked-off people around who don't want to be messed around any longer. ®