BSkyB plans to launch new music service

BSkyB is set to launch a new unlimited digital music service that will give users access to millions of songs for a monthly fee in a bid to rival Apple’s popular iTunes service.

Any broadband user, in addition to Sky’s 2 million broadband subscribers, will be able to access the service through their computers or televisions when it is made available, according to reports.

The satellite broadcaster is thought to be working with mobile music specialist Omnifone on the technology needed to set up such a service.

Sky is hoping its new music service will allow users to download and keep tracks, which are free of ‘Digital Rights Management’ software and can be played on any device.

Although the broadcaster plans to make the service available to all broadband users, Sky is also looking at the possibility of tying it in with its current satellite and broadband packages to make them more attractive to subscribers.

Sky originally confirmed its intention to move into the digital music market by bagging a deal with Universal Music, home to artists such as Amy Winehouse, Duffy and U2, last July.

The service, which is part of an industry-wide move towards combating illegal online music sharing following Lord Carter’s Digital Britain report, is expected to launch in the spring.

BskyB: 0207 705 3000 www.sky.com