Is Spotify planning to free mobile music from the shackles of Premium subs?

[sincity]

Currently, those wishing to listen to Spotify on their mobile devices, must fork over a monthly subscription fee or settle for customisable radio stations, but that may be about to change a new report has claimed.

The Wall Street Journal brings word from "people familiar the plans" that Spotify plans to offer limited, ad-supported free streaming through mobile apps, as it does on the web and through desktop clients.

According to the report, three major record labels have already signed off on the idea by agreeing new licensing deals.

Aside from that, details are thin on the ground at present, but it's entirely possible, if the report turns out to be credible, Spotify could announce the feature next week at a media event in New York City.

Mates rates?

Elsewhere, it hasn't been the best week for Spotify, PR-wise thanks to its welcomed, but potentially ill-advised scheme to bring some much-needed transparency when it comes to artist payments.

The company said it had paid $1 billion (around £612m, AU$1.1bn) to artists, which translates to as little as $0.006 per play. At that rate, a song needs to be played 166 times before the artist makes a buck.

It's great for Lady Gaga and Katy Perry who's songs get millions of plays. At the time of writing, the latter's Roar, which has been played over 65m times on Spotify single would have made her $392,643.

For the emerging artist who's play count is in the hundreds or thousands? Well they might be able to buy a 6-pack and a pizza for their troubles.

• Opinion: Why Spotify is part of the solution, not part of the problem.