Pandora closes borders

ONLINE MUSIC SERVICE Pandora won't be opening its doors to UK users after all, it has told disappointed punters.

Pandora first notified users of its intention to block non-US traffic back in May last year, after getting into hot water over licensing rights for worldwide streaming with the American record industry. The site kept streaming, however, confident in its ability to sort a settlement with the industry.

But it seems that no settlement is going to be forthcoming, so Pandora will be formally shutting up shop to anyone outside the US as of January 15 - a sad day for the site's legions of international fans.

Of course, there are plenty of IP-based workarounds that will allow users to continue to listen to the service, but Pandora can kiss goodbye to international growth. Meanwhile, CBS-owned Last FM continues to toe the RIAA party line and will continue to be available internationally. µ