LONDON – A subscription service offering unlimited legal downloads is to be launched later this year after a groundbreaking agreement between a leading internet service provider and the world’s biggest music label, it was announced yesterday.
Virgin Media and Universal Music said the service will allow music lovers to stream and download as many music tracks and albums as they want from the entire Universal Music catalogue in return for a monthly subscription fee. Subscribers will be able to download music to keep permanently and to store on any MP3 compatible device.
The scheme would also allow an “entry level” offer where subscribers received unlimited streaming of music but a limited number of downloads.
The service, for use by Virgin Media broadband customers, will allow one subscription per household and would not specify restrictions on the type of device on which the music was played.
Universal Music artists include Amy Winehouse, U2, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Duffy, the Sugababes and James Morrison.
Virgin Media said it was negotiating with other UK major and independent music labels and publishers to expand the service. –(PA)