14 DAY TRIAL // Warner Music Group is going to deliver music content to mobile users in Europe and Asia in a partnership with Telenor, one of the largest mobile operators worldwide.
According to the agreement, WMG's large catalogue including songs, ringtones and music videos will be available through Telenor's network of mobile companies. Initially, it will be available in nine countries including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Alex Zubillaga, executive vice president of digital stategy at WMG said: "This agreement highlights our commitment to responding to regional variations in the ways consumers access music and to developing digital music opportunities around the world." The partnership will combine WMG's expertise in the development and delivery of content with Telenor's strength in telecommunications technology.
WMG has also signed an agreement with Orascom Telecom's content provider Arpu+, that operates in the Middle East and North Africa, including 39 countries among which Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt. Arpu+ will be distributing mobile music products from Warner Music in the regions it covers. WMG has signed the partnerships in order to break into new and emerging markets providing digital entertainment content.
While most details seem to have been covered, WMG has not yet revealed how pricing will be structured for home users in the regions where the content will be delivered.
WMG will also be working with O-Media Holdings that operates in countries including Jordon, Egypt and Lebanon. Their aim is to shape new ways of 'connecting with music fans'. Naguib Sawiris, chairman and CEO of Orascom and O-Media Holdings said: "As we can see, mobile devices are becoming the gateway to happiness."