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Technical News & Discussion => Broadband, Internet & General Computer News & Discussion => Topic started by: Simon on May 30, 2010, 12:01:24

Title: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Simon on May 30, 2010, 12:01:24
BT has reacted angrily to Ofcom's plans to clamp down on illegal file-sharing, claiming that larger ISPs are being placed at a disadvantage.

The code of practice will apply only to customers of fixed-line ISPs with more than 400,000 customers - BT, Talk Talk, Virgin Media, Sky, Orange, O2 and the Post Office – a move which could be seen as a licence for file-sharers to switch to smaller ISPs. 

Although Ofcom says it will review the situation if copyright infringers begin to flee to niche ISPs, BT says it is concerned that the two-tier regulation could rapidly skew the market, leading to customer churn.

"Our initial reaction is that Ofcom's proposal to limit the obligations to just seven fixed operators and exclude mobile operators and fixed ISPs with less than 400k subscribers is concerning," the company said in a statement.

"The UK currently boasts a highly competitive broadband market and we believe that such a move has serious potential to distort the market."

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/358312/bt-fumes-at-ofcoms-file-sharing-clampdown
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Rik on May 30, 2010, 12:02:17
Dear, dear, what a shame. ;D
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Ray on May 30, 2010, 12:03:52
 ;D I really feel sorry for them.  :whistle:
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Simon on May 30, 2010, 12:15:07
:)x
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: dujas on May 30, 2010, 12:45:21
Crocodile tears, their customers are locked into 12 or 18 month contracts!
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: DorsetBoy on May 30, 2010, 12:49:26
No one seems to have thought that any sensible ( if there is such a thing) file sharer uses a proxy so they don't leave their IP behind.
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Rik on May 30, 2010, 12:54:52
No-one knows what they're talking about at Ofcom. ;)
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: pctech on Jun 02, 2010, 16:19:52
Quite alarming how little technical knowledge exists at ofcom considering its a regulator.

I'm firmly of the opinion network management should be up to the ISP, if someone is hogging your network, give them the boot.

Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Rik on Jun 02, 2010, 16:21:30
Not to mention a lack of common sense and too many people paid far too much.
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: pctech on Jun 02, 2010, 16:23:10
One of my colleagues has been booted from 3 ISPs for over indulging in file sharing.

Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Rik on Jun 02, 2010, 16:25:37
Already, I didn't think it had started yet.
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: pctech on Jun 02, 2010, 16:28:33
This happened a while back and he is now on O2 I think.

He would be downloading 24/7
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Rik on Jun 02, 2010, 16:30:46
What do people do with all this stuff?
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: pctech on Jun 02, 2010, 16:36:31
Watch it.

Tends to be American TV series and films I think along with cracked copies of software.

I've never downloaded such material so wouldn't know for sure.

Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Rik on Jun 02, 2010, 16:37:44
I couldn't find that much time in the day to watch it all. Mind you, with my line speeds, you never know. ;D
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Technical Ben on Jun 02, 2010, 16:46:31
Quote from: Rik on Jun 02, 2010, 16:30:46
What do people do with all this stuff?

I would guess, when it gets to Terra bites worth, it's the same as a full  32gb Ipod. Your not going to get to listen to a million hours worth of albums. Nor watch or play all those movies and games. But they are there just in case. Also there must be a little bit of OCD or obsession in it.  :dunno:
Title: Re: BT fumes at Ofcom's file-sharing clampdown
Post by: Rik on Jun 02, 2010, 16:48:10
That sounds like my CD and DVD collection, Ben. I can go for years without re-playing a particular disc, depending on mood and new material.