Virgin Media to offer 'groundbreaking new music service'
Virgin Media to offer 'groundbreaking new music service'
By Noel Mellor (Mon, 15th June 2009)
Subscribers to Virgin Media broadband could soon be enjoying unlimited access to music from the artist catalogue of the Universal Music Group (UMG), it has been announced.
The internet, telephone and television services provider unveiled plans this week to team up with UMG to offer its customers the ability to stream and download as much audio as they want.
In a move the company suggested could "bring about a rapid and permanent change in the way UK consumers buy and listen to music", Virgin Media will offer a service to all of its broadband customers that charges a monthly fee in exchange for tracks and albums from the record company.
These can then be kept and stored on any compatible mp3 player or media device, with another tariff being made available for regular downloaders who may not require the full, unlimited offering.
Neil Berkett, chief executive officer of Virgin Media, said the system would provide a convenient, good value service that would be of benefit to everyone involved - from music lovers to 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," he added.
It is hoped that the service provider will be able to launch the new offering during 2009 and is currently in negotiations to bring a number of other major and independent music labels onboard.
Music channels currently available via Virgin Media television include MTV One, Two, Base and Dance, as well as TMF, Box, Kiss, Smash Hits and Kerrang.
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