Nokia Mobile Cell Phone Buyers Get Free Music Offering

By: Michael Stevens
Staff Writer
Published: Apr 22, 2008

Nokia will give mobile cell phone buyers a free music offering from Sony BMG.

Nokia, the world's top mobile cell phone maker, announced on Tuesday that it will offer free music to buyers of its particular music phones. The free music offering includes a 12-month access plan from Sony BMG.

Last December, Nokia unveiled a similar deal for its "Comes With Music" phones with the top record label Universal.

"Comes With Music is expected to launch in the second half of 2008 on a range of Nokia devices in selected markets," Nokia said in a statement.

Sony BMG, home to artists including Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen and Celine Dion, is jointly owned by Sony Corp and German media group Bertelsmann AG.

The new music offering from Nokia -- the first cellphone maker to push heavily into content -- would differ from any other package on the market as users can keep all the music they have downloaded during the 12 months.

Such unlimited download models could offer a shot in the arm to the music industry, which is struggling to find ways to make up for falling CD sales.

Nokia said it expects all top labels to sign up for "Comes With Music" offering.

"We are quite confident that we will have all the labels at the table for Comes With Music. We are progressing in those negotiations," said Liz Schimel, head of Nokia's music business.