Apple deal leaves Beats-owned MOG untouched in Australia

Telstra has this afternoon exclusively told TMN that despite Apple’s acquisition of MOG-owner Beats, it will continue to operate the service in Australia.

A Telstra spokesperson told TMN, “MOG will continue to run as normal at this stage." However, the company hints that changes could be on the horizon, stating, "We will let our customers know more information when we know more."

Beats acquired MOG in July 2012. The move gave MOG a new lease of life as it struggled to grow against the runaway success of Spotify. It was suggested at the time that the acquisition brought Beats closer to Apple in terms of giving consumers a 360 degree hardware/software/entertainment package.

The MOG service stayed live until April 15 of this year, after which it was shut down - with the exception of Australia where it continued to operate under the Telstra brand.

Telstra also reveals that it is in close discussions with the Dr.Dre/Jimmy Iovine-headed firm about the future of the subscription service. A spokesperson confirmed, "We’re looking forward to understanding the detail in due course and will work with Beats on this."