Internet Service Provider Refuses To Disconnect Illegal Downloaders

The Carphone Warehouse says it has no plans to disconnect customers who download music illegally.

The mobile phone retailer, who sell broadband services under its Talk Talk division, has rejected calls by the BPI to implement a three strikes initiative that will punish persistent offenders.

In a statement, Charles Dunstone, the chief executive of Carphone Warehouse, said as internet providers “we do not control the internet nor do we control what our users do on the internet.”

“I cannot foresee any circumstances in which we would voluntarily disconnect a customer's account on the basis of a third party alleging a wrong doing,” he said.

"We believe that a fundamental part of our role as an internet service provider (ISP) is to protect the rights of our users to use the internet as they choose."

Rival Internet provider Virgin Media is believed to be considering a pilot scheme where the details of customers who download music illegally will be past onto the BPI.

Tiscali already run a similar scheme in Belgium.

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