Sky Unveils Rival To iTunes, Spotify Called Sky Songs

Sky has unveiled its new digital music service, which has been touted as a rival to Spotify and Apple's iTunes store.

Sky Songs will launch in the UK on October 19 with over four million songs from all of the four major record companies, as well as independent labels.

Users will be able to subscribe to two different monthly packages – both of which offer unlimited song streaming.

The first option, priced at £6.49, will enable customers to download a £6.49 album or 10 songs.

The second subscription package is priced at £7.49 and allows users to download an album of the same price or 15 songs.

Additional music can be purchased on a per-track or per-album basis, starting at 65p and £6.49.

Mike Darcey, Sky's Chief Operating Officer, said Sky Songs would “reach out to consumers who want legitimate digital services offering choice, ease of use and great value”.

The service is being viewed as a potential rival to iTunes' digital download store and Spotify, which offers a similar streaming service priced at £9.99 a month.