Digital music streaming service Spotify is planning to launch a free music streaming to mobile devices in the UK to encourage on-the-go streaming of music tracks.
Currently, Spotify only allows its paid subscribers to play tracks on mobile and tablet computers upon a 30-day free trial.
The Verge reported that the digital music service is already in talks with Warner Music and is planning to negotiate with other music majors including Sony and Universal later this month.
Spotfiy’s move to expand its free service offering would allow it to compete with streaming rivals including Napster, Rdio and Deezer, which charge £9.99 per month to play music on the go.
According to a research by BPI, the UK music industry trade body, Spotify and Rdio add about £50m per year to music labels, accounting for 15.2% of their digital income.
In 2012, Spotify launched a free radio player for Apple iPhone and iPad users in the US and offered unlimited songs and stations in addition to advertising. After negotiations with rights holders the firm will be able to offer a similiar product to UK users.
