Sources on the Isle of Man have expressed surprise at the proposal to issue a blanket licence legalising the exchanges of digital music over P2P networks.

The proposal was made at MidemNet this weekend by a Manx civil servant, Ron Berry. Berry is a broadcaster, joint owner of the Manx radio station 3FM founder, and founded an advertising agency. He made the suggestion in his capacity as controller of revenue for the Isle.

The BPI also issued a statement today clarifying comments made by chief executive Geoff Taylor on the proposal.

"Our door is open and if there are broadband companies interested in launching a music service in the Isle of Man, then we would welcome commercial discussions," the BPI said in a statement. "But speculation of a blanket filesharing deal akin to a broadband tax imposed by Government, as has been suggested, is not something we’d welcome – and is some way wide of the mark."

Taylor had been welcoming ISP partnerships, rather than a blanket licence, the BPI stressed.

We've invited Ron to explain the proposal, and will bring you news as soon as he gets back to us. ®

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