According to The Times (Phorm stranded as BT and Carphone pull plug on online 'spying' technology), Carphone Warehouse, who's TalkTalk subsidiary were one of the ISPs lining up to use Phorm's invasive DPI technology, have now decided to fall into line an announce they would likewise not implement it. BT's role as the market leader is evident:
After BT's move, Charles Dunstone, head of Carphone Warehouse, said: "We were only going to do it if BT did it and if the whole industry was doing it. We were not interested enough to do it on our own."
The remaining UK-based ISP with declared interest in Phorm's DPI, Virgin Media, look to be wavering as well:
Virgin is also reluctant, meaning that Phorm, whose non-executives include Lord Lamont, the former Chancellor, has lost Britain's three biggest internet groups, prompting analysts to question its future.
The battle doesn't end here - there are other devious systems out there waiting for a chance to be deployed. In the meantime, Phorm's share price tanked yesterday. According to The Times, Phorm shares fell by 40% yesterday.