Vodafone in line to join file-sharing clampdown
VODAFONE IRELAND is in talks with the record industry to join Eircom in its “three strikes and you’re out” rule for those involved in illegal file-sharing.
The company is the second biggest internet service provider (ISP) in the State with 21 per cent of all fixed broadband connections along with a substantial mobile broadband customer base.[...] A pilot scheme to implement what Eircom also calls the “graduated response protocol” has been under way since last month and about 800 illegal file-sharers have already received a warning.[...]
In a statement issued yesterday, Vodafone said it was aware of the Eircom actions and acknowledged that illegal file-sharing represents a “serious issue for the Irish music industry”. [...]Vodafone is in negotiation with the Irish Recorded Music Association (Irma) which represents all the major record labels.[...]
Aslan sold 11,000 copies of their latest album, but nearly three times that had been downloaded illegally, he said. [...] In a statement, Vodafone said it was now looking at providing “easy availability of legal downloads of music” to counteract illegal file-sharing. [...]
In Spain, Vodafone has implemented a successful policy of charging €6 a month for 20 tracks, but the company insists it is too early to say what kind of model it would adapt here.
By RONAN McGREEVY, The Irish Tmes, Wed. June 16 2010
