Universal Music and Virgin launches Unlimited Music Download

Universal Music Group and Virgin Media, announced that they would introduce an Unlimited Music Download service subscription with the stringent anti-piracy enforcement.

Universal, the largest recording company in the world, said it would offer its entire catalog to Virgin, which contains works by artists ranging from Amy Winehouse to U2.

The music would be free from copy protection, a feature that distinguishes the service from most existing subscription offerings. The cost of the service was not disclosed.

In return, Virgin Media agreed to take steps to reduce piracy on its network, something that other broadband providers have resisted.

The measures could include temporary suspensions of offenders’ Internet connections, the company said.
“This is a really high-stakes game,” said Mark Mulligan, an analyst at Forrester Research. “Universal and Virgin have come to the table with all they can offer.”