Virgin Media has signed a record-breaking deal with the Universal Music Group which will see it become the first ISP in the UK — and the world — to offer free downloads of music that is readily available and unrestricted by any DRM software.
The service will be available to subscribe to alongside Virgin Media’s broadband packages. It is thought that there will be various packages available, such as a basic service which, according to a source quoted in The Register, allows for “a couple of albums per month,” to be downloaded, alongside an unlimited service, which would give you full access to the Universal catalogue.
Virgin Media CEO Neil Berkett said, “In terms of both convenience and value, our new music service will be superior to anything that’s available online today and provides a fair deal for both consumers and artists. There is no better example of Virgin Media’s commitment to harnessing digital technology to give customers what they want, when they want and how they want.”
Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive of Universal Music Group International, said, “Britain has a world-class reputation for artists and music. Now British consumers will have access to a world-class digital music service. I believe this puts all of us at the forefront of a new era.”
According to the press release, Virgin Media is also “negotiating with other UK major and independent music labels and publishers to ensure it can offer a complete, compelling catalog.”
It’s clear that this deal has been worked out a method of curtailing illegal file sharing. The press release also hinted at measures including “temporary suspension of internet access” to deal with those who continued to download torrents of copyrighted material.
This announcement comes a day before the long-awaited reveal of the Digital Britain report, which is expected to outline methods of combating illegal distribution of material.
Posted by Tom on June 15th 2009 in Broadband, Next Gen Broadband, Virgin Media
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