Universal ponder the idea of an alternative to iTunes

Los Angeles (CA) – Universal Music Group and other major labels are thinking about fighting fire with fire with their own, almost free, music service. According to Business Week, the “Total Music” service would let subscribers download all the music they want from Universal Music, Sony and possibly other labels.

Total music would be bundled with popular MP3 players and be free for several months. Afterwards, subscribers would pay a modest $5 dollars a month. The service could also be incorporated into mobile phones, with the subscription fees added to the phone bill.

According to Business Week, Sony is interested in joining the program and Universal is in talks with Warner Brothers. There’s also a rumor that Universal’s chief executive, Doug Morris, has had talks with Microsoft’s Bill Gates

Currently Apple’s iTunes dominates the online music market with record labels often complaining that this gives them too much leeway when it comes to pricing the music. Apple charge 99c per song with an average of 9.99 per album.