A third of broadband consumers illegally download copyrighted content because they believe the cost of buying it is too high, a new poll has revealed.

According to V3.co.uk, formerly Vnunet.com, the same proportion of its readers would not download content if they had to pay for it, suggesting that plans laid out in Digital Britain to stop illegal filesharing might not benefit the creative industries.

The technology website claimed that its research indicated the government would be more successful encouraging content providers to explore new business models for media distribution if it is to reach its target of an 80 per cent reduction in illegal downloads over the next two years.

Proposals in Digital Britain, which was published on June 16th, called for internet service providers (ISPs) to inform broadband users caught sharing illegal files of their indiscretions and keep records that could be used by content providers to pursue civil actions.

However, the BPI suggested this week that a "write then sue" approach will not work.

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of the group representing Britain's recorded music industries, dismissed the government review as "digital dithering" and claimed that ISPs should take a tougher stance against people breaking copyright laws.