Isle of Man broadband subscribers could get unlimited music

Broadband customers based in the Isle of Man could have access to unlimited legal music downloads if a new local government scheme is approved.

A compulsory tax on broadband subscriptions for island residents could see a new relationship built between local government and four major worldwide record labels. If the plans go ahead, broadband subscribers will be required to make a nominal payment for a blanket license, giving them the freedom to carry out as many legal downloads as they like.

Speaking to The Register, the Isle of Man’s Inward Minister Ron Berry commented: “At the end of the day, we are not going to stop piracy, so let’s embrace it.”

Illegal P2P downloading has been a hot topic among broadband ISPs in the past couple of months as the music industry puts increasing pressure on them to enforce punishment for persistent offenders. On hearing details of the proposed scheme, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry Geoff Taylor has agreed that a blanket fee for P2P downloading would benefit the music industry.

But there is, as always, a downside to the proposal. If it is indeed enforced, all broadband subscribers on the Isle of Man would be required to pay the tax, regardless of whether they would make use of the unlimited music; a pretty harsh tax when you consider it has been estimated a staggering 81 per cent of residents wouldn’t consider music file sharing.

The proposed fee that would be charged for this blanket license has yet to be disclosed, but if it goes ahead and proves successful it is likely it would be considered for mainland UK as well.