Specifically, while access to Universal’s catalogue will arrive as great news for legitimate music lovers looking to use the upcoming service, media heavyweight Universal Music wants the U.K. broadband provider to issue account suspensions to anyone found to be downloading music illegally.

In receiving Universal’s content support, Virgin Media has said it will work towards reducing incidences of online privacy by slapping temporary suspensions on the Internet accounts of anyone persistently downloading music illegally through peer-to-peer file-sharing sites.

“In terms of both convenience and value, our new music service will be superior to anything that’s online today and provides a fair deal for both customers and artists,” explained Virgin Media chief executive officer Neil Berkett regarding the deal.

Virgin’s new unlimited download platform will allow users to stream and download as much DRM-free content as they like in return for a monthly subscription fee – and that content will also be compatible for playback on any portable digital music device, including the iPod.

With Universal Music artists such as Amy Winehouse and U2 now attached to the service, Virgin is busy working to secure the music catalogues of various other major and independent record companies such as Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Group, and the Warner Music Group.

Subscription costs connected to the Virgin Media service, which is expected to officially launch before the close of 2009, have not yet been divulged.

Source : - http://www.thetechherald.com/