Translation of Dutch article

dahamsta

Thanks to cjb for the translation. Christian reckons his Dutch is a bit rough, so it might lose something in the translation:

Irish internet strike to extort ADSL

A group of Irish internet users are calling for a national internet boycott to protest against the lack of fast connections, such as ADSL

By Patrick Engelsma

The internet users have united as IrelandOffline. This action group is calling on all Irish internet users and business to take part in the IrelandOffline Blackout on Nov 16th by not using the internet or making phone calls the whole day. The group also hopes that the Irish will change their websites to a protest page, according to The Register.

With this action the group hopes to draw attention to the lack of good and affordable internet services in Ireland, which according to IrelandOffline are due to problems in the Irish telephone service. In Ireland there are no users of flat fee internet via dialup and broadband connections such as ADSL are not yet available.

The introduction of ADSL was on the agenda for last september, but the Irish telecoms regulator upset the applecart[1]. The regulator wanted to investigate further whether the tariffs set by telecom operator Eircom were anticompetitive[2].

IrelandOffline emphasised in a statement that the organisation does not seek to disrupt Irish business. On the contrary, the organisation seeks to achieve better and more affordable internet access to stimulate the economy.

[1] literal translation: threw soot in the food
[2] this represents a best guess

Of the comments, there was nothing remarkable in the reactions except the third one (Marcel) which says: "Good idea. We need to do this here too. ADSL is only available in the big cities and where KPN [dutch state phone company] have competition" So maybe we've inspired others?

adam