Press & PR

Speaking at the recent Internet Service Providers' Association Awards (ISPA) 2008, one industry commentator has urged action on the way music is shared online.

Feargal Sharkey, chief executive of British Music Rights, urged internet service providers (ISPs) to look to provide bundled music and broadband services in the future, with the record industry and broadband suppliers sharing the profits of such a practice.

Mr Sharkey told the audience: "This is the debate we need to get back on track: how to unlock [the] insatiable demand for music and in a way that grows both of our businesses," the Register reports.

Music-sharing has been a hot topic for the broadband industry in recent months, with a number of parties urging action to curb the rising number of illegal downloads made by consumers.

The ISPA awards gave out a number of accolades during the evening, with PlusNet winning the coveted Best Consumer ISP award, which was commended for its transparent usage allowances and its data management system.

Vonage allows people to make cheap calls over the internet using VoIP services, with the V-Plan 1 package available for just £5.99 a month.