O2 speaks out against "Luddite" Digital Economy bill

Internet service provider TalkTalk was quick on the mark to comment on last week's passing of the controversial Digital Economy bill. Deeming it a "wash up", the provider used its blog to explain its reasons for battling against the bill's measures over concerns the bill was passed without "any proper debate or scrutiny".

It's not alone its concerns against the bill. Rival internet service provider O2 has also posted an open letter on the Digital Economy Act. On the provider's blog O2's head of home and broadband, Felix Geyr paid particular attention to the notion internet service providers should act as go-betweens in the fight against online piracy.

Whilst reiterating the fact it supports the protection of copyright, Geyr spoke out against UK internet service provider's expected role to send of warning letters to suspected pirates and, if that method doesn't work, to disconnect customers from their broadband connection.

Deeming the proposals a "red herring" Geyr's blog suggested, rather than blocking websites and cutting the connections of suspected broadband customers, new products and services should be developed to give consumers the content they want, how they want it, and for a fair price.

"It may sound hard harsh but that's life in a market economy and that's what happens when a technology revolution takes place," pointed out Geyr. "Some people vainly try to prop up the old system - like the Luddites who smash up the mechanical looms during the industrial revolution - while others recognise that change is inevitable and adapt to a new model."

Taking a similar stance to TalkTalk O2 believes sending threatening letters or cutting off people from the internet won't solve piracy problems.

Geyr ended his blog with a message to the music company and film industry lobbyists who have been campaigning for this change in the law: "you've got what you wanted. Now wake up, smell the coffee, and start really focusing on giving customers what they want."