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UK-based cable TV operator Virgin Media has tied up with Universal Music for introducing a music download service in the country. The new service will allow the Virgin Media’s broadband customers to download unlimited songs and albums from Universal Music for a monthly fee. There are 7 million broadband customers of Virgin Media in Britain. Such a large chunk of broadband users is expected to reap the benefits of Virgin-Universal download deal.
Both the companies informed that no DRM protection software will be used in the service and the users will be able to keep the downloaded items as long as they want. However the music company is planning to work with Virgin to restrict the downloaded tracks from being redistributed to other users.
The move has been decided to curb unauthorized downloading. This is the first deal between a music company and an ISP. Music companies like Universal and others have been searching for a format to reap profits from legal download. Now with the help of Virgin Media, Universal Music will able to tackle the piracy threats.
According to Neil Berkett, chief executive of Virgin Media, the new music download service will not only benefit the consumers but also the artists. World’s largest music company, Universal Music has a slew of talents including U2, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Duffy and James Morrison. None of the companies has revealed anything about the possible launch date or pricing details.
