Yesterday Ben Bradshaw, the Culture Secretary, presented the Government’s vision for a Digital Britain. It follows the Interim Report, which we responded to earlier in the year.
Of course, like most people, we agree with Gordon Brown’s statement that “Only a Digital Britain can secure the wonders of an information revolution that could transform every part of our lives.” But we do have some views about the Government’s suggestions on the best way to create a ‘Digital Britain’.
50p a month telephone tax
Before this ‘phone line poll tax’ becomes law, it is the Government’s job to consult and properly justify that the charge is a good use of public subsidy and that the levy mechanism is a fair way of raising the money. We will be involved in this debate representing the views of our customers and, of course, if legislation is passed we will collect the tax as directed.
File sharing
The Digital Britain Report fails to acknowledge what almost every informed commentator knows: that determined file sharers will find a way around any technical roadblock that can be put in place. Our position on file sharing has always been clear; we refuse to disclose our customers’ details unless the case against them has been proven in court.
This remains our view and, while we’re pleased the report reflects this, we’ll be participating in the forthcoming consultation to ensure that our customers’ rights are protected. Technology is moving fast in this area and there are already a number of proven ways that people serious about file sharing can avoid detection – what this means is that the only people who are likely to be caught will be light, unsophisticated users of file sharing or people who have had their computer or wi-fi network compromised by a third party. There is only one sustainable and practical solution to the problem and that is for rights holders to adapt their business models and make their content easy and cheap to access legally online.
Universal Service Obligation
We have long recognised the importance of digital inclusion and welcome the plan that has been put forward as it delivers central funding without putting a further burden on the customer.
In summary
Overall, as we said earlier in the year, we’re pleased that Government acknowledges the important role that digital technologies play in developing a competitive and successful Britain. As the report points out, more than 70% of people describe broadband at home as essential or important. We are committed to playing our part in helping create a Digital Britain, but will continue to fight for the rights of our customers.
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