Paying for unrestricted monthly downloads could be the future

Allowing web users to pay a monthly fee in exchange for unlimited media downloads could be the future of broadband use, while tackling illegal activity.

The founder and editor of TorrentFreak.com, referring to himself only as Ernesto, said that there is yet to be a broadband service that allows people to download content to the extent that they desire, but that having this option could curb illegal downloading.

While VoIP hardware is revolutionising telecommunications by drastically reducing costs and increasing flexibility, Virgin Media plans to launch a service allowing access to unlimited music downloads.

Ernesto said: "The average consumer buys three to four CDs a year right now so if they charge £7 a month for the service they would be making more money than they do now while finally satisfying the consumer."

Virgin's service will carry a monthly subscription fee for which customers can download as many music tracks as they want that are owned by the Universal record label.

Most people would prefer to acquire media content legally, according to research from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.