Spotify will reportedly expand its offerings overseas. with ad-supported free mobile radio services outside the U.S. Sources tell Bloomberg that the digital music service is close to agreements with the record labels for the expanded service, which could launch as soon as April. The radio service from Spotify is available on mobile devices in the States, and on desktop computers in 20 countries.
Meanwhile, CNet reports that Spotify has added another one million subscribers since December, with its subscription base now totaling six million. A spokesperson for Spotify confirmed the data to CNet, which makes the digital service the fastest-growing digital music company ever.
Additionally, Spotify founder/CEO Daniel Ek spoke at SXSW yesterday, discussing the importance of mobile and other devices beyond the computer to digital businesses. According to Billboard.biz, Ek said, "If you’re a business now and you’re only on the PC, you’re going to have some serious problems." He added, "It’s not just about mobile. The way we look at it, it’s about connective devices. TVs, cars, refrigerators— there’s huge opportunity for new business, but it’s also scary to navigate that transition."
Ek also said that he believes the music business needs to evolve in multiple ways, suggesting licensing deals as one possibility. "Licensing music territory by territory is not at all how it should work, it seems to me. If I license a song, that license should be valid all around the world."