ALTO disaproves of Eircom/EMI deal

Silicon Republic is reporting that ALTO, the Alternative Licensed Telecoms Operators group whose membership includes BT Ireland, Magnet Networks, NTL, Chorus, Smart Telecom, Budget Telecom, Cable & Wireless, Colt Telecom, Complete Networks, Digiweb, ESB Telecoms, Verizon and 3 Play Plus, dissaproves of the “draconian deal” struck between Eircom and EMI which would put customers at risk of having their Internet connection cut off after a 3 strikes and your out rule.

While we obviously do not condone illegal downloading or any illegality on or over the internet, we firmly disapprove of any draconian measures that would compromise the privacy, speed or services offered to broadband users. We do not need measures to further impede the development of next generation broadband in Ireland – Ronan Lupton of ALTO

You can read more about ALTO’s reaction at Silicon Republic.

Eircom makes a deal with the devil

The IrishTimes reports that Eircom has settled a lawsuit with EMI Records that puts all of its customers’ connection to the net at the will of EMI with a 3 strikes and your out policy. After 3 unsubstantiated accusations of copyright threat by EMI, Eircom will disconnect customers from the Internet.

We live in a world where connectivity to the Internet is as important as the ability to use public roads. How safe would you feel if your car could be taken away from you after 3 unsubstantiated accusals?