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In an effort to help and curtail online music piracy, Universal Music will partner up with U.K. telecommunications ("telco," if you're British) provider Virgin Media to launch an unlimited downloadable music service. This service will set users back anywhere from $16 - $24 (10 - 15 pounds) a month and it allows them unlimited access to Universal's entire catalog. Users can either download DRM free MP3s or simply stream the music of their choosing. This service is another step towards combating P2P file sharing and music piracy and it could -- if it is received well and can become a success -- be a viable example of how internet service providers can help curb illegal music downloads.
The worst of offenders - those users that cannot help themselves and choose to download illegal music at their will-- may face punishment such as getting their internet use suspended.
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