Spotify Coming to the U.S. for Real this Time

After missing its own deadlines more than once, the online music streaming service Spotify is finally coming to the United States. The company’s Web site now says that the service really is on the way for U.S. customers, and the company said it will be free — presumably with ads — just as it is in Europe.

Spotify coming to the U.S.Spotify really is launching in the U.S. this time

The Spotify Web site states:

The award-winning music service that’s taken Europe by storm will soon be landing on US shores. Millions of tracks ready to play instantly, on your computer and your phone. Any track, any time, anywhere. And it’s free!

The company isn’t saying how much paid subscriptions will cost, or even if that will be an option. Spotify users in Europe pay a monthly fee for the service after the trial period if they don’t want to deal with streaming restrictions.

Spotify is already popular in Europe, and U.S. customers have been waiting impatiently to get a chance to use the service for some time.

With a free entry point, the service will likely shake up the subscription music industry in the States. Spotify’s potential competitors such as Rdio, Rhapsody and Pandora will likely watch Spotify’s service closely to see if they need to change their pricing structure to better compete with the newcomer.

Spotify hasn’t said exactly when its service will launch in the U.S., but is letting potential users sign up for email alerts and to be among the first to try out its state-side offerings.