Sky launch music download and streaming service

Commenting on the launch of Sky Songs, a music download and streaming service from Sky, James Parker, manager of broadband at moneysupermarket.com said, "This is an interesting move from Sky and a similar one to those we have seen recently from Orange with their latest tariff ‘Monkey', and from Spotify who have launched a subscription service for the iPhone. On the face of it Sky Songs seems like a great offer and provides some real competition to iTunes.

"As broadband has become faster and more accessible over the years, downloading music has become part of everyday life for many people. A recent survey from moneysupermarket.com* revealed that over a quarter (27 per cent) of people say they go to a digital source as first port of call for their music. The need to get the latest tracks as cheap as possible has also lead to a rise in illegal downloading but I'd hope services like Sky songs will help to curb these habits. The same survey showed that almost two thirds (62 per cent) of those who admit to illegally downloading say using Spotify has encouraged them to reduce the amount they download illegally or kick the habit altogether.

"With Sky joining the ranks of legal music download providers it will be interesting to see who follows, competition in this market could provide some great deals for consumers."