Irish ISP Eircom is working with the music industry to try and figure out a way to reduce peer-to-peer file sharing while also keeping music fans happy by providing a free streaming music service. In addition to the music offering, a 4 strikes illegal file sharing rule would punish repeat offenders with 12-month internet access bans.
The new service dubbed MusicHub includes content from Warner Music, Universal Music, EMI and Sony. All music will be offered without any type of audio or text advertising, with Eircom looking to convince subscribers to stream music rather than illegally download.
The company has 1.5 million subscribers across Ireland, and will include free music streaming to all of its broadband customers.
A legitimate pay-per-song-download service will also be made available, with a music catalog containing up to 4 million songs. Consumers will be able to purchase song bundles with heavy discounts, including packages that are €5.99 per month for 15 song downloads, or €12.99 for 40 songs.
Non-Eircom subscribers can subscribe to the music service, but will have to pay higher prices. The streaming-only plan will cost €6.99 per month, while it will cost €11.99 and €22.9 for streaming plus 15 or 40 song downloads.
It's an interesting strategy, and I'm curious to see how users adopt to the new offering. I believe some users will be more receptive and look to stream music, but most will likely continue to download illegally and risk a 12-month ban.
After a first notice from the music industry, a subscriber receives a written warning. A second file sharing offense can lead to another warning, while a seven-day ISP suspension will be issued after a third warning. Any other action will result in a 12-month suspension, according to Eircom, as it even gives music listeners an additional chance over the customary 3 strikes rules that are implemented elsewhere.
Eircom still receives almost 1,000 copyright infringement notices each week from Merlin. The ISP then sends notices to their subscribers.
Do you think that this free streaming music strategy will help the ISP cut down on illegal file sharing?
