The dialup service would now be an additional $24 per month ($21.95 service + $2 billing fee), and there would be no reduction in the web host cost.

The letter (OCR'ed here) does not clearly state that the customers would be paying more for the same service.  One of the underhanded techniques employed is to refer to the bundled web/dialup service as web hosting with complementary dialup access.  This has always been a single service, and until now a decent one.  This wording attempts to trivialize the dialup aspect of the service as if it were a fringe benefit provided by the good graces and charity of Verio.

I'm calling Verio now to cancel all service, and end our relationship.  Look to see others doing the same before too long.

Dear Verio/Best Dial-up Internet Access Subscriber:

Verio recently negotiated an agreement with EarthLink in which Verio agreed to transfer all of its current Dial-up Internet Access accounts to EarthLink. This transfer of accounts includes your Dial-up service only. This transfer will not affect any other services you are receiving from Verio.

Please be aware that although your Verio/Best account included both Dial-up and Web Hosting services. Verio can no longer offer this option. If you have been migrated to the new Verio Websites or VPS service, or are in the process of migrating to the new Verio Websites of VPS service, your Hosting package will no longer include complimentary Dial-up Internet Access as of January 9, 2002.

Verio is committed to offering world-class Hosting and Internet services. As part of that commitment, we strive to provide accurate and timely information to customers about all of our services. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this transaction may cause you.

While Verio has had several exciting years as a provider of Dial-up Internet services, we must respond to the changing demands of the marketplace. As you know, the Internet continues to experience rapid growth. Verio has recognized the need to respond by focusing its resources on the suite of products and services that provide customers with solutions that facilitate seamless growth. Our decision to transfer our current Dial-up Internet Access accounts stems from normal business and strategy sessions addressing future plans. By transferring your Dial-up account to EarthLink, which has Dial-up Internet Access as a core competency, your Dial-up account will be well supported.

The following is a brief overview of how Verio intends to transfer your Dial-up service to EarthLink. For a more complete overview of this transaction, including information about EarthLink, account and billing implications, please see www.verio.com/BESTdialupfaq.

How will your Verio Dial-up service be transferred? Your Dial-up service will be transferred with little effort on your part. Immediately after January 9, 2002, EarthLink will automatically establish an EarthLink Dial-up account for you with features that most closely mirror your current Verio/Best Dial-up plan. For most Verio Dial-up customers, this means that EarthLink will be establishing an EarthLink Unlimited account for you at $21.95 per month using your current billing information. Shortly after your account is established, you will receive EarthLink's Welcome Packet by U.S. Mail that will contain a welcome letter, EarthLink's Dial-up software, and a new EarthLink username, password and an additional email address.

To ensure that you receive the EarthLink Welcome Packet, please visit the Verio Web Hosting Customer Back-room and verify that we have your current address. You can access the Customer Backroom at: https://mybackroom.securesites.com/customer/backroom/customer_info/

If you have forgotten your CID (Citstoiner ID) or password to access the Customer Backroom, please call or e-mail Verio Web Hosting Customer Service - at 1-888-256-6838 or service@veriowebsites.com.

What if you do not want your Dial-up service transferred?
  If you do not want your Dial-up service transferred to EarthLink, you must cancel your Verio Dial-up service by January 9, 2002. To cancel your Dial-up service, please call or email Verio Web Hosting customer service at 1-888-256-6838 or dialoptout@veriowebsites.com. Please note: you will not have Dial-up access to the Internet as of the date you cancel your Dial-up service.

What will happen to your billing?
  We will not be able to continue to offer complimentary Dial-up service with your Web-Dial bundle. Unfortunately, EarthLink does not offer any type of complimentary Dial-up accounts. You will continue to receive a bill from Verio for your Web Hosting service. The price will not change. In addition, if you do not cancel your Verio Dial-up service prior to January 9, 2002, you will begin receiving bills from EarthLink for your Dial-up service in January.

Where can you get further information about this transaction?
  For a more complete overview of this transaction, please see www.verio.com/BESTdialupfaq. In addition, prior to receiving EarthLink's Welcome Packet, you may also email service@veriowebsites.com or call 1-888-256-6838. Please understand that we may be handling a high volume of inquiries and our response time may be a bit slower than usual. Until you receive your EarthLink Welcome Packet containing your new EarthLink usemame and password, you will not be able to obtain information from EarthLink about this transaction. Therefore, please do not contact EarthLink at this time.
We believe that you will be satisfied with EarthLink's quality service and support. With more than 4.9 million subscribers, EarthLink is one of the world's largest providers of Dial-up service to the Internet. EarthLink's services have won many industry awards including 2000 and 2001 Mobile Computing's First Class award for the best Internet service provider, 2001 CNETs Editors' Choice Award, and 2000 PC World's Best ISP Award.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patronage. Again, if you are currently receiving other services from Verio, this change will not affect those services. Please be assured that EarthLink and Verio will be working closely to ensure a smooth transition of your Dial-up service.

Sincerely,

Dennis Boyle Vice President, Operations
Verio, Inc.