Telstra closing BigPond Music

Australia’s crowded music streaming service has collected another scalp. Telstra is closing its BigPond Music online service from 23:59 AEDT on December 11, 2014.

It announced on its Facebook page that it was making the move with “a heavy heart” and that refunds would be made to those with vouchers before then.

Customers were advised they could log into their BPM account to manage your details and download your previous purchases until Dec 12.

Telstra said in a statement, "The download-to-own music market has changed a lot. We believe the best way for us to continue to provide great music services to our customers is via a partner model.

"Music is and will still be a major component of the premium content Telstra provides to thousands of Australians every day. We will provide our customers [with] more information on our plans in due course."

The news cast doubt on the future of MOG (Telstra introduced the US streaming service to Australia under BigPond in 2012). The service was closed in the US in June with a push for MOG customers to sign up to Beats Music. The Australian service remained with Telstra advising it would switch MOG customers over to Beats Music when it finally launches locally.

CNET has sought comment from Telstra, who told the news website that MOG will "continue to work as normal" and that it has no "further details to share at this stage" on the local rollout of Beats Music in Australia. Telstra also confirmed MOG customers would retain downloads purchased via BPM.

Those with queries on their accounts can email musicfeedback@team.telstra.com.