Spotify launches in New Zealand and Australia today

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Update: Slingshot CEO Mark Callander says it has been difficult to offer zero-rated data to Spotify


Digital music streaming service Spotify is available in New Zealand as of today. The company has announced that its catalogue of more than 16 million tracks will be open to Kiwi customers.
 
The company is also launching in Australia today. Its New Zealand and Australian headquarters is in Sydney.
 
After months of speculation of its launch, Spotify has revealed its pricing plans.

As with overseas versions Spotify is available in three subscription types. Spotify Free allows customers ad-supported access to the service on computers and smart phones, the $7.49 a month Spotify Unlimited gives ad-free access only computers only; while the $12.99 Spotify Premium gives ad-free access on mobiles, and also allows for offline listening.

Spotify is offering a 30-day free trial for its Premium Service, but this requires a credit card.
 
Spotify co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek says the Swedish company hopes to find a place in New Zealand.
 
“We’re unbelievably excited to be here,” says co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek. “We know how much Kiwis love their music and are sure they’ll love Spotify.”
 
Included in its release plans are two New Zealand specific promotions, a NZ Top 40 songs app available in the iTunes App Store, and a New Zealand artists playlist called "Kia Ora New Zealand".
 
Update 11am: Local ISP Slingshot says it still plans to zero-rate Spotify data for its customers, but is having difficulty engaging with the music streaming service on this matter. Mark Callander, CEO of Slingshot, says Spotify has been "hard to get a hold of".
 
Telecom says it is reviewing its data offerings, but will not say if it plans to offer zero-rated data.
 
Computerworld has also contacted Spotify, Orcon, Vodafone, TelstraClear, Maxnet, and Fyx on whether they plan to zero-rate Spotify data. Orcon and Slingshot have indicated in the past they wish to do so, with the other ISPs giving no comments at the time.


Published by Computerworld, written By Sim Ahmed | Auckland | Tuesday, 22 May, 2012
Link to article:  http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/spotify-launches-in-new-zealand-and-australia-today?opendocument&utm_source=topnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=topnews

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