Crib sheet.

PlayLouder MSP is a new service, a broadband ISP established for and targeted at computer users who want to utilise the internet for delivery of music.

PlayLouder. But that's been going ages, hasn't it?

Yes, that's right. Set up in 2000, it pitches itself as "the UK's leading alternative music website" and claims some 130,000 unique users every month. But PlayLouder MSP (PLMSP) is something completely new. In taking a broadband ISP infrastructure and optimising it for delivering music, it aims to become the first stop for anyone who wants to listen to music through their PC or Mac.

So how does it do that?

With Bulldog Communications as its broadband access partner, it uses a 1 megabit ADSL circuit to provide twice the bandwidth of standard broadband connections--it says here--which they say will allow for an average music file to be downloaded in less than 30 seconds. Videos can also be watched with "smooth motion at full screen resolution".

Sounds great--how much does it cost?

The provisional retail price is 25.50 [pounds sterling] plus VAT per month, this for a 512 Kbit/s broadband connection, although a tiered service with higher access speeds (at a higher price, no doubt) will be introduced over time. In addition to the basic access, subscribers will also get a bunch of extras including various community services, such as the ability to programme their own internet radio stations, share playlists, access mobile services, as well as shopping and other services.