Although AT&T is Apple's exclusive distributor for the iPhone - and its associated iTunes link-up, the company has announced a partnership with music rival, Napster to offer mobile music downloads. The service is now available on more than 25 AT&T smartphones and handsets.
The company said that the expansion was made possible by less restrictive digital rights management (DRM) requirements from the labels and Napster's adoption of more flexible technology.
"Our goal is to connect people with the music they love, no matter where they are," said Chris Gorog, chief executive officer of Napster. "Switching to our new format gives millions of AT&T customers the opportunity to enjoy the best mobile music experience available, in addition to the world's largest catalog of music."
Mark Collins, vice president of Consumer Products for AT&T's wireless unit, said: "Music fans using our phones are hungry for this capability. As we've worked with Napster to make more phones 'ready to rock,' as we say, we've seen a strong corresponding rise in customers who are adopting Napster Mobile."
AT&T customers can purchase and wirelessly download full-length songs from Napster Mobile for $1.99 each, which includes a copy that is automatically delivered to the customer's PC. Napster Mobile is also available for a $7.49 monthly subscription, which includes five song downloads per month. Charges for downloads are conveniently billed to customers' AT&T wireless bill.
Posted to the site on 30th October 2008
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/34397.php