Optus announces data-free music streaming for prepaid customers

Optus prepaid customers will be able to use their mobile to stream music without worrying about consuming their data allowance. The second largest telco in Australia has announced that its prepaid mobile customers can use selected streaming apps data-free from May 2.

The mobile music service is exclusive to new and existing customers on My Prepaid Ultimate, My Prepaid Daily Plus and other selected plans. From May 2, the customers can stream music without eating into their data by using some of the most popular streaming mobile apps, including Google Play Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Guvera and Spotify.

Apple Music is a noticeably excluded from the list. Optus’ rival Telstra has already bagged Apple Music for itself, and it is unlikely to share with Optus.

“As smartphones become even smarter, customers are increasingly turning to their mobiles for entertainment. With 78 percent of 16 to 34-year-olds already enjoying music streaming, it makes sense for Optus to partner with some of the most sought after streaming services,” Ben White, managing director of Marketing and Product, said.

“Although Australia is a nation of music lovers, we know that data is the number one barrier for Optus customers when it comes to music streaming. We’re confident these plans will break down the data barrier and convince more Aussies to try music streaming with Optus prepaid.”

The telco has also partnered with Universal Music and iHeartRadio to give customers access to events, content and musical acts. Universal Music will also produce events and content for Optus through BRING, its entertainment agency. iHeartRadio, on the other hand, will give audiences access to their favourite music and stations on a simple platform.

According to Optus, it is the first major telco to give data-free music streaming in the country.

As Ausdroid.net noted, however, Optus’ move may open itself to net neutrality questions. Optus did not mention if the streaming music services would receive preferential speeds, but the fact that Optus customers would be able to use the services without incurring data use gives perceived unfair advantage to the streaming companies.