Sprint launches streaming music service
Associated Press
Sprint Nextel Corp. is jumping into the music phone business.
The nation's No. 3 wireless provider said Monday that it and Seattle-based digital media provider RealNetworks Inc. are launching a streaming music service for Sprint PCS customers called Rhapsody Radio.
The service provides streaming radio stations, a freestyle rap service called "Beats N Breaks," music news, videos and podcasts - recorded audio files that are downloaded from the Internet - for $6.95 per month.
This is the second partnership between the companies. Sprint, with corporate headquarters in Reston, Va., and operational headquarters in Overland Park, already uses RealNetworks to provide streaming video content through Real-rTV.
Wireless companies, inspired by the popularity of Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod and other MP3 players, have raced each other to add music content to their service portfolios.
Earlier this month, Apple introduced the Motorola Inc.-made ROKR phone that comes loaded with iTunes software and allows users to load up to 100 songs on their phones. The service is being sold in the United States by Cingular Wireless.
Verizon Wireless also provides downloadable music videos over its service.
Shares of Sprint closed down 61 cents, or 2.4 percent, at $24.77 Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. They have traded in a 52-week range of $19.70 to $27.20.
Shares of RealNetworks ended down 2 cents at $5.57 on the Nasdaq Stock Market. They have traded in a 52-week range of $4.54 to $7.40.
ON THE NET
http://www.sprint.com
http://www.realnetworks.com
Wireless provider Sprint announced today, that they would be working with RealNetworks to launch a streaming music service, for Sprint wireless customers, called '''Rhapsody Radio'''.

The service will allow users to listen to podcasts and six streaming radio stations (rap, hip-hop hits, alternative, country, '70s, and music news) from their mobile phone. Users will be able to listen to live broadcasts of those stations over their cellular connection. For a monthly subscription fee of $6.95, users will also have unlimited access to commercial-free radio broadcasts. Selected streaming podcasts from KCRW, Santa Monica 89.9 FM, and National Public Radio’s Southern California station will also be available. A special ''Beats N Breaks'' stream is also available. ''Beats N Breaks'' provides background music from hip-hop songs for users to rap with.

Rhapsody Radio service requires a Sanyo MM-7400, Sanyo MM-5600, Sanyo MM-8300, Samsung IP-A790, Samsung MM-A800, Samsung MM-A880 or an LG MM-535 mobile phone. Customers are able to order directly from their phones, with the charge appearing on their next bill. 

Many analysts predicted the introduction of music services by other wireless providers after Apple recently introduced the Motorola ROKR. The Motorola ROKR comes with a version of the iTunes software which allows users to listen to up to 100 songs on their phone. Service for this phone in the USA is provided by Cingular Wireless.