MUMBAI: Satellite broadcaster BSkyB is working with UK-based satellite broadcaster Omnifone on the technology needed to launch an unlimited digital music service to compete with Apple’s iTunes, it was announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Monday, say reports.
Following its expected launch later this year, the service will offer Internet access to millions of songs to all broadband users for a small monthly fee. Users will be able to listen to music either through their computers or televisions.
Sky is also looking into linking the music service with its broadband and satellite packages, making it available to anyone in the UK with a broadband connection, reports add.
The deal is part of an industry-wide move to combat illegal downloading and music piracy. Recording industry body IFPI calculates that 40 billion tracks were downloaded illegally worldwide, says a report in the Guardian.