Customers of RadioLink Internet (RLI) were left without service on June 1 after the rural ISP abruptly filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Unlike routine outages caused by storms or equipment failure, this shutdown is permanent, leaving subscribers without internet and sparking legal and regulatory attention.
Internet Customers Left Without Warning
Many users discovered the closure only after noticing their internet had stopped working. Kayla Sikel, a long-time customer, initially thought her service was experiencing a temporary outage. She later learned via email that RLI had shut down. “I’m sorry, and thanks for being a loyal customer, more or less is all that it really says,” Sikel told ABC 6 News.
The company did not provide advance notice, and its website and phone lines went offline, leaving customers with no way to contact support.
State Investigation Underway
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a consumer alert and launched an investigation into RLI’s sudden closure. His office is examining why customers were not warned of the impending shutdown and how the bankruptcy affects subscribers.
Ellison is advising affected customers to take three steps: preserve all receipts, invoices, and correspondence; contact their bank or credit card company to request a chargeback for unpaid services; and file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office.
Pressures Facing Small ISPs
RLI’s collapse highlights challenges confronting smaller broadband providers. Industry consolidation and the loss of federal broadband subsidies have made it difficult for small ISPs to compete with larger providers. Rural areas, often underserved by major carriers, are particularly vulnerable when a small provider goes out of business.
Legal experts say abrupt closures like this can leave customers with unpaid service fees, equipment issues, and disrupted internet access, making recovery complicated. Some subscribers may have no alternative providers in their area, emphasizing the broader impact on connectivity.
Consumer Protections and Next Steps
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office will monitor the bankruptcy proceedings closely and notify consumers of any deadlines to file claims. Customers are urged to document payments and communications, and act quickly if seeking refunds or protection under consumer law.
RLI’s sudden shutdown serves as a cautionary tale for subscribers of smaller ISPs. It underscores the risks of relying on providers that may lack the financial stability of larger companies and highlights the importance of consumer vigilance and awareness of rights.
