Record companies settle action against Eircom

Four record companies have settled their action against Eircom - the state's largest broadband provider - in relation to illegal downloading.

It was the first case to be taken against a service provider rather than the individuals concerned.

EMI, Sony, Universal and Warner were at trial for eight days at the High Court and settled on an amicable basis, with both sides expressing satisfaction with the outcome.

The companies said they had agreed a joint approach under which they will work closely together to end the abuse of the internet by copyright infringers.

Eircom said it will warn the subscriber that unless the infringement ceases, the subscriber will be disconnected.