3: Spotify likely talking to other operators for mobile app
But believed to be closest to deal
3 has responded to reports it is in talks with Spotify over putting the application on its handsets by saying it believes it isn't the only one.
New Media Age claimed that the two companies are discussing the possibility of premium Spotify account holders being able to use the service, with both new and legacy 3 customers being allowed access.
3 declined to confirm to TechRadar it is in talks with Spotify, but didn't refute claims that it is in talks:
"We're constantly looking for innovative ways to give our customers access to the internet services they regularly use, so we are naturally in contact with a wide range of internet partners.
"A company like Spotify is certain to be in talks with any number of operators."
Spotify responds too
Earlier today, Spotify spoke to CNET on the issue, stating very much the same thing, so it's likely that a deal could be on the cards with more than one operator, meaning talk of a Spotify application on Apple or Android handsets could be old news soon:
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"It's true that we're in talks with a range of potential partners and we definitely want to strike a deal soon. But... nothing has been agreed at this stage."
We can only hope that such a deal will soon be put in place, as being able to take your music offline won't be blocked by the likes of Apple if the networks are offering it to a range of phones, and free (ish) music will be available to all on the go.
Gareth has been part of the consumer technology world in a career spanning three decades. He started life as a staff writer on the fledgling TechRadar, and has grew with the site (primarily as phones, tablets and wearables editor) until becoming Global Editor in Chief in 2018. Gareth has written over 4,000 articles for TechRadar, has contributed expert insight to a number of other publications, chaired panels on zeitgeist technologies, presented at the Gadget Show Live as well as representing the brand on TV and radio for multiple channels including Sky, BBC, ITV and Al-Jazeera. Passionate about fitness, he can bore anyone rigid about stress management, sleep tracking, heart rate variance as well as bemoaning something about the latest iPhone, Galaxy or OLED TV.