However, Kingston Communications, Karoo's owners, later dropped its approach of immediately cutting of Internet connections without warning following media coverage and public outcry.

Cathy Philips, head of corporate communications for Kingston Communications, said: "We have decided to take a softer approach and we will now operate a three strikes and you are out rule."

Residents in Hull have no choice of ISP, as Kingston Communications, the only local telephone provider and owners of Karoo, has a monopoly. BT, Sky Broadband and others are currently unable to offer local residents rival services, an option many see as unfair.