Spotify, a major music streaming company, is closing agreements with record labels to offer free mobile radio outside of the United states.
Although radio listeners on Spotify will have limited control over song selection and hear advertising, they would be able to create custom playlists and save tracks on devices.
Spotify’s markets include the U.S., U.K., Sweden, Germany, France and Australia, according to the company’s website. The service has 20 million free users and about 5 million who pay $10 a month to access unlimited, commercial-free music on computers and mobile devices.
According to inside sources Spotify, which will have stiff competition from Google and Apple is also seeking to add new territories in its talks with music publishers and record companies including Vivendi SA (VIV)’s Universal Music and EMI Group, as well as Sony Corp. (6758)’s music business and Warner Music Group.
