KPNQwest, the bankrupt Dutch telecommunications group, has begun shutting down its Ebone network, leaving up to 4,500 companies without their Internet connection. "Around 20% of the remaining customers had no alternative provider arranged. Smaller customers will be hurt the most. It is one big mess. It will not be easy to start up again. ... The banks have cut their throats." The Ebone staff is not optimistic about finding jobs. Europe is willing to let dying telcos take their networks down with them. Will the US be any different? KPNQwest begins network shutdown | 
