Vodafone Group has revealed that almost 450,000 Vodafone customers have signed up to its music subscription services since it signed DRM-free (Digital Rights Management) deals with all four major labels in 2009. Vodafone says this means it has the largest number of paying music subscribers in Europe.
In December 2009, over 100,000 customers signed up to one of a range of music services offered across Vodafones eight largest markets in Europe. Growth in customer subscription numbers is being driven both by monthly 10-track MP3 bundles, and from all you can eat (AYCE) unlimited access subscription services.
MP3 files bought in bundles can be played on both mobile and PC a wide range of computers and digital music players, including iTunes. Customers typically get 10 tracks per month for around 5 (4.40).
AYCE services are offered both as a standalone product, and bundled with data tariffs. When bundled with data, customers can access the entire catalogue of over 2 million tracks for as little as 3 a month.
We are really excited by our customers reaction to these great music offers, says Vodafone Internet Services Director of Content, Lee Epting. We expect to see continued growth in our music service subscriptions driven by the increase in Smartphone use, with their worry-free data tariffs and great value add-ons such as music bundles. We will carry on working hard with our partners in the music industry to develop new and innovative music services for our customers. Vodafone is starting to prove the significance of its place in the music industry.