Digital economy bill passes third reading

The UK government has succeeded in pushing through the third reading of its digital economy bill after making concessions to secure opposition cooperation in parliament.

Plans to introduce a £0.50 (€0.57) tax on landlines to pay for the rollout of broadband services to rural areas have been shelved, along with plans to support regional news services and certain new regulatory powers for Ofcom.

However, Ofcom will receive new powers to cut off the internet connections of those who download film and music files illegally.
 

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