Hungarian internet providers start limiting file sharing

Two of Hungary's internet providers, Vodafone and UPC, have started limiting their clients' use of file sharing programs, reports mfor.hu. In several Western European countries, this practice has been used for a while, introduced after complaints from copyright protection organizations.

One condition of using Vodafone's new mobile internet packages, including one unlimited service for Ft 5,000 a month, is that clients do not use file sharing programs to illegally download music via peer-to-peer networks. The company said it did not want clients to overload the network by keeping their machines on to download files around the clock. Instead it wanted customers who use the internet for browsing and sending and receiving e-mails to enjoy a fast service.

UPC started limiting file sharing without informing clients on its broadband services. Customers quickly noticed the change and posted their experiences on online forums. The company admitted to slowing down the speed of file sharing programs and called the practice "priorizing." At peak times, file sharing programs are sent to the "back of the queue" and more bandwidth is given to browsers.

Hungary's other internet providers have not started using this practice but have not ruled out doing so in the future. Data privacy ombudsman Attila Péterfalvi told mfor.hu that the practice is legal; internet providers have a right to monitor what type of programs their clients use.

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