Internet service provider O2 is to restrict traffic running between peer-to-peer (P2P) filesharing programs including BitTorrent under new plans.

The broadband firm is to introduce traffic management measures on its fixed line service which will see the amount of bandwidth available for such platforms during the evening hours of 20:00 and 23:00 BST limited.

However, people planning to check their email, look at websites or watch content on the likes of the BBC iPlayer will still be able to do so without any problems.

According to O2, the move will "speed things up for most people".

It added: "Your actual connection speed won't change. It'll just take longer for P2P programs and newsgroup services to download."

Details of the move have come after O2 also confirmed the launch of its new Joined Up communications service for businesses, which will provide firms with a converged solution for all of their telecom needs.