Virgin Media have teamed up with universal to offer a new DRM-free music download and streaming service. The deal will allow users of Virgin Media Broadband to download and stream music for a small subscription fee, or free for entry level users.

The subscription fee has not yet been published, but will charging for music downloads and streaming combat illegal file sharing? Virgin Media and universal say exactly that, and they will set out plans to educate users and get them to stop using their file sharing software. Persistent users will however face a temporary loss of service. Nobody will be permanently disconnected, but it may be a strong enough message.