January 10, 2006

Vodafone Group Plc is partnering with Sony on an interactive streaming radio service for mobile phones and PCs.

The two companies unveiled Vodafone Radio DJ, which offers customized content based on users' tastes and preferences.

The subscription service also includes a dual-download feature, allowing users to download tracks to both a PC and a mobile phone.

The companies did not disclose pricing for the offering.

Vodafone said it plans to launch Radio DJ in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain in the next few months.

The operator plans to offer the service in more than 20 countries by the end of the year. Sony NetServices is powering the service.

"This is the beginning of a new era in portable music," said Lee Fenton, Vodafone's director of consumer platforms.

"This partnership will drive Vodafone's strategy to become a leading global music provider."

Source: RCR