Vodafone launches music downloads

Mobile operator Vodafone is to offer customers the chance to download an unlimited number of music downloads direct to their mobile phones for just £1.99 per week.

The service, called MusicStation, will be available on Vodafone's new range of mobile handsets and lets you choose from one million tracks from all four major record labels.

Though many new mobile phones are able to store and play MP3 files, there are currently few services that let you download music direct to your phone, though Nokia plans to launch a similar service later in the year and iPhone owners in the US can use the iTunes Wi-Fi store.

"This is a first for music on the mobile in the UK and means a fundamental change to the way people experience music on their phones," said Tim Yates of Vodafone.

There are 18 new handsets from manufacturers such as Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson, which will offer mobile internet access as well as the MusicStation package, which will go live some time before Christmas.

One of the record labels involved, Universal, hailed the new service.

"MusicStation is the most compelling music experience on mobile today. Giving users unlimited access to our and other labels’ catalogues, all for £1.99 a week, it creates the UK’s first digital music experience on mobile that has true mass market appeal," said Rob Wells of Universal.

However, analysts cast doubt on whether the service would be successful.

"We still have some doubts about whether the service can truly penetrate the mass market," said Jonathan Arber of Ovum.

"To date, music subscription services on the PC have not met with a great deal of success, and Vodafone will have to work hard in communicating what is a fairly complex value proposition to its customers," said Arber.

www.vodafone.co.uk

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