MobilCom suffers break-in and lock out

NEWS German telco, MobilCom is reeling after a double blow yesterday - an online break-in and a capacity shortage that locked users out of its service. German newspaper Bayerische Rundfunk claims that two of its reporters gained access to the telco's central computer, and retrieved customer details such as names and phone numbers. MobileCom denies the hack, but admitted that the reporters could have retrieved the data from a router. Meanwhile, the bad news was compounded when hundreds of MobilCom's customers were shut out of its telephony network as usage of its Internet access service exceeded all expectations. The rush was created by the recent introduction of a flat rate unlimited access evening service, as well as free local telephone calls. MobilCom said it will compensate customers who were unable to use it service. Erol Ziya, co founder of the UK campaign for unmetered telecommunications, said MobilCom's crisis will add weight behind his campaign to introduce a flat rate for local calls and Internet access. "There is a huge pent-up demand," he said. Ziya added: "Inevitably in the first period there will be a bigger surge in use - usage is far beyond the normal level because of the novelty factor, but then after a few months that calms down."