iTunes Australia - Q1 2004?

News.com.au reports that Microsoft's Ninemsn music service will reach Australia early next year.

Of more interest, an Australian version of Apple's iTunes is also expected in the first quarter of 2004 according to the article.

According to their sources, Apple plans on extending the iTunes Music Store "to a number of markets beyond the US" in the same time period.

Apple has publicly committed to Japanese and European Music Stores in 2004. Apple has also been reported to be in negotiations with Canadian music agencies as early as October of this year.