Virgin Media and Universal Music have announced plans for an mp3 music service that would allow subscribers to stream and permanently store tracks in return for a monthly fee.
The launch comes ahead of the publication of the Digital Britain Report that is expected to act to prevent illegal music downloads. By offering new download services, operators such as Virgin believe they will be able to avoid becoming the internet’s police force, a role that is being encouraged by the creative industries.
In a statement, Virgin said the announcement reflected the shared commitment of Virgin Media and Universal Music to keep step with growing demand for online music in an increasingly digital world while driving a reduction in the unauthorised distribution of Universal Music content on Virgin Media’s network.
If the proposition sounds familiar, then look back 12 months to the announcement of Sky Songs, which promised a similar download service, again in partnership with the Universal Music Group. Further details on the subscription packages were promised before the end of 2008, but are still absent.
Both Sky and Virgin have promised to bring in other music companies under their tent.
