UK-based mobile network operator Vodafone has tied up with major music companies to offer music sans digital rights management (DRM), making it possible for users to access downloaded songs on any digital device.

The deal, which has been clinched with a number of large record companies including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and EMI Music, will enable the mobile group to sell a pool of more than a million tracks by artists like Britney Spears, Coldplay, Duffy, Lily Allen and The Fray.

Further, the download deal also allows those users who have already bought tracks or albums from those record companies in WMA format (with DRM) to attune to MP3 without an extra charge.

“By Vodafone pioneering DRM free on mobile and offering MP3s on PC, they will now have the freedom to download tracks from their favorite artists without any device restrictions allowing them to experience their music however they want it, wherever they are,” said Pieter Knook, director, Vodafone internet services.

The arrangement can be looked at as a result of both the prevalent online piracy that has been impinging on traditional revenues and the need for mobile companies to branch out and gain customer loyalty via new services. Therefore DRM is employed by the music industry as a final resort to tackle illegal downloading.