BT has adopted a policy of threatening broadband customers who are found to illegally download music from the web with disconnection, according to reports.

Customers thought to have been accessing tracks from peer-to-peer networks have been sent letters accusing them of contravening BT's Acceptable Use Policy.

The move comes after Virgin Media formed a partnership with the British Phonographic Industry in order to educate customers on the downfalls of illegal downloading.

An official from the BPI said: "Establishing partnerships with ISPs is the number one issue for the BPI, and we are beginning to form positive working relationships with BT, Virgin Media and most of the other major ISPs.

"Everyone agrees on where we need to be, and we are working closely with our colleagues across the music community."

Virgin Media operates a three-strikes-and-your-out policy, giving customers found to have downloading illegal files three warnings before eventually deciding to disconnect them.