EMusic Halts Unlimited Downloads

EMusic.com is discontinuing its unlimited download service and replacing it with more limited offerings.

For a monthly fee, the service has provided unlimited music downloads to subscribers. The company is expected to replace its service with two subscription-based plans offering limited music downloads.

The service is the only existing Mac-friendly digital music distribution service other than ITunes Music Store.

Limits Set

An e-mail sent to current subscribers read: "Unless you notify us of your intention to cancel your subscription prior to November 8, 2003, your EMusic subscription will convert into EMusic Basic. Under EMusic Basic, you will be billed $9.99 per month for access to the service with no minimum monthly commitment, but you will be limited to no more than 40 downloads during your monthly billing cycle."

The company's e-mail also announced: "In addition, EMusic is pleased to present a special, limited time offer available exclusively to current subscribers--EMusic Premium. Designed for our most active subscribers, this plan allows you to download up to 300 tracks per month (approximately 25 albums) for a monthly charge of $50--a price of just 16 cents per track--with no minimum monthly commitment."

Uncertain Future?

The company's message boards have been offline since the announcement was made yesterday.

Universal Music Group acquired the online music service in 1991 for an estimated $24.6 million. EMusic is being acquired from present owners Vivendi Universal by a venture capital company, Dimensional Associates.