Broadband - Crackdown On Illegal Downloads

Since the introduction of file-sharing and peer-to-peer networking, there have been constantly reported high profile legal struggles between the music industry and internet providers.

And now internet providers face potential changes to procedure due to a government green paper which would require them to take action over users who access pirated material.

It is estimated that around six million UK broadband users downloaded files illegally last year, with music and film industries claiming that such practices cost billions of pounds in lost revenue.

And with the government coming under increased pressure from those in the music and film industries to penalise piracy, users could find themselves paying the price for free downloads.

Negotiations between some of the biggest ISPs and some of Hollywood's biggest studios regarding a voluntary scheme for policing illegal downloads have been in progress for several years, however no deal has yet been reached.

Users suspected of illegally downloading music and films face the prospect of a 'three strikes and you're out' system, which could ultimately lead to the disconnection of their broadband service if no steps are taken to cease illegal activity.

However there is growing concern about how disputed allegations would be policed. With an increasing number of cases of 'piggybacking' and 'wi-fi hijacking' as the numbers of wireless broadband networks around the UK continues to grow, there could be difficulties in determining blame in some cases.

The green paper also outlines plans for schemes that would promote creative arts in the UK in a bid to encourage children to visit galleries and museums, attend theatre productions and take up study of a musical instrument.

Looking for better broadband? Perform a broadband speed test and compare broadband providers to find a deal that suits you.

Streamyx Online Registration
Streamyx Online
About Streamyx Combo
Streamyx Coverage
Streamyx Packages
Streamyx Registration
Streamyx Cash Rebate
Streamyx Free Modem
Streamyx Coverage
About Streamyx Combo
Streamyx Registration
Streamyx
Streamyx Self Care
Streamyx Speed Test
Streamyx Coverage

Post Off Your Broadband

The Post Office has been a mainstay of the British community for as long as any of us can remember. While they may have their problems with postal strikes and the like, the GPO remains an institution looked upon fondly by many of us.

With the advent of the internet and email, one would think the Post Office would become almost obsolete, but that isn't the case. In fact, far from it. While the ordinary letter can now be sent via the internet, the soaring popularity of online shopping means that the GPO is inundated with parcels from all over the world every day.

And now, finally, the Post Office is realizing just what a commodity the internet is, and has jumped aboard. The familiar red and yellow logo can now be associated with broadband. And not just any broadband. The GPO has recognised something that so many other providers failed to; that not everybody can or wants to pay for their internet by direct debit.

Instead, Post Office customers can choose to pay for their broadband over the counter of their local branch - a tactic that is especially appealing to the 'silver surfers'; the over 50's who regularly use the net. Because many providers charge an extra fee if a bill is paid by anything other than direct debit, the Post Office's way is a boon for those who don't trust money coming out of their account, or who prefer to pay for bills as and when they arrive rather than on the same day each month.

Providers such as TalkTalk, who only offer one vague payment date per month - anytime between the 24th and 27th - and who charge a 3.50 per bill fee for credit card or postal order payments, may do well to follow the Post Office's example.

As well as the convenient payment methods, the Post Office also has the advantage of being a subsidiary of BT, meaning the availability of the broadband service is an unrivaled 95%, compared to the average 60% for other providers.

The only downside of the GPO broadband service is the low download limit on the standard tariff. 5MB per month is enough for most light users, but a heavier user may need far more than this. It is possible to get a good deal with a larger download limit if you shop around and compare deals from different providers. Decide what you want from your broadband and make your comparisons.

Want broadband? Find cheap broadband by comparing broadband providers online.

J Tillotson is a UK author specialising in technology and communications.

About Streamyx Combo
About Streamyx Combo
Streamyx Coverage
Streamyx Combo Online Registration
Streamyx
Streamyx Combo Promotions
Streamyx Registration Promotions
Streamyx Combo Promotions
Streamyx
Streamyx Packages
Streamyx Coverage
Streamyx Packages
Streamyx Combo
Register Streamyx Online Now
Streamyx Combo Promotions