Oxfam launches download service

LONDON - Oxfam is launching a music download service to help raise money to fight poverty around the world. The charity is backing the Big Noise Music website, which launches on Wednesday and will offer 300,000 songs to download.

Tracks will cost between 75p and 99p, with 10p going to Oxfam. Acts featured include Coldplay and George Michael. "Artists will see their music help some of the poorest people in the world," Oxfam's Adrian Lovett said. The service - backed by digital music firm OD2 - will be available across Europe, although songs will be priced in sterling.

Competition is increasing in the digital music market, with Napster launching its UK service last week, and Apple's iTunes service is expected to open its doors to European users soon. As well as Oxfam's service, OD2 also powers download services offered by Coca-Cola, HMV, Tiscali, Virgin, Ministry of Sound, Wanadoo and MSN.

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