RealNetworks Announces Partnership with Vodafone for European Music Services

Vodafone and RealNetworks announced a multi-year global partnership to support Vodafone's music services across Europe. Under the agreement, RealNetworks' mobile music services, including Internet radio music streaming and the ability to purchase and download full songs, will be made available to Vodafone customers in Europe.

"Vodafone is excited to be partnering with RealNetworks, helping our customers enjoy their favourite music, from anywhere and at anytime," said Dirk Wierzbitzki, Global Director of Consumer Product Marketing, Vodafone. "Real offers Vodafone a unique combination of industry-leading technology and the ability to deliver compelling entertainment services that enhance our customers' mobile experience. We look forward to working with them."

The music services are now available from Vodafone in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Romania and the UK. The Internet radio music streaming service is available in France. These services are currently provided to Vodafone by Sony NetServices, a joint venture of Sony DADC and Sony Europe that was recently acquired by RealNetworks. Vodafone music services are available on the Vodafone live! mobile portal, which offers users a range of entertainment services such as TV, music, games, ringtones, news, sports and information.

"As the world's leading mobile communications company, Vodafone is the ideal partner to deepen Real's presence in the global mobile marketplace," said John Giamatteo, President of Technology Products and Solutions and International Operations, RealNetworks. "We are uniquely suited to offer Vodafone customers a compelling and easy-to-use personalized music experience that takes full advantage of the reach and speed of Vodafone's superior 3G networks across Europe."

With the addition of Vodafone as a customer, RealNetworks now has 12 tracks on demand customers with more than 196 million mobile subscribers in 11 countries. Real's Technology and Product Solutions division provides services to more than 75 communications carriers in 37 countries worldwide.