UNIVERSAL MUSIC - SKY LAUNCHES MUSIC DOWNLOAD RIVAL FOR ITUNES

Sky is set to launch a new music download service.

A deal with Universal Music sees the TV broadcaster offering normal song and album downloads and a subscription service allowing unlimited streaming of songs and downloads, which expire when the subscription expires.

Prices will be announced later in the year when the service is launched.

Mike Darcey, BSkyB chief operating officer, said: "It's clear that there's huge demand for online music and companies like Sky and Universal Music are well placed to work together to meet consumers' needs.

"We aim to offer an easy and affordable service for all UK music fans, while ensuring that artists are properly rewarded for their creativity."

The entire Universal catalogue will be available – with artists including Amy Winehouse, ABBA, Eminem and Kanye West.

Lucian Grainge, chairman and chief executive of Universal Music, said: "In a world where a majority of UK homes have high speed broadband access, consumers will welcome a safe, state-of-the-art service and legal alternative to those services which exploit musicians without compensation."

Downloaded tracks on the Sky service will work on any mp3-compatible fixed or portable device, including iPods, mp3 players and mobile phones.