Consumers debate Digital Britain report

The Government is encouraging the public to comment on proposals outlined in last month’s Digital Britain report by Lord Carter.

The Government said this “wasn’t an opportunity to alter the report itself”, but people can provide suggestions on the website about how proposals might be implemented.

The report published last week contained a number of contentious proposals. One imposes a £6 a year charge on all telephone lines. The Government said will be used to boost funding for next generation broadband.

The generated funds will be given to internet service providers (ISPs) prepared to install the infrastructure needed for super-fast broadband services in areas of the country where it ‘s considered commercially unviable.

Another controversial proposal addresses illegal file sharing. The Government has said it wants to reduce illegal downloads by 80 per cent over the next two years. In order to reach this target the report said ISPs would be required to contact illegal file sharers.

There is also a possibility that ISPs may be forced to use ‘technical measures' to slow down the internet connections of people who persistently download copyrighted media such as music and movies.

However, there was no mention of a feared three strikes rule that would cut off the internet connection of repeat infringers after three warnings. It is likely that this would have been unlawful because of an amendment in the European Union's Telecoms Package.

The first comments on the site are neutral, although some are critical. A comment calls the legislative measures for illegal file sharing "wrong headed".