Sprint/RealNetworks to provide cell phone Internet radio and podcasts in US
{{date|September 20, 2005}}

Wireless provider [[w:Sprint Nextel Corporation|Sprint]] announced today, that they would be working with [[w:RealNetworks|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 [[w:KCRW|KCRW]], [[w:Santa Monica|Santa Monica]] 89.9 FM, and [[w:National Public Radio|National Public Radio]]’s Southern [[w:California|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 [[w:Sanyo|Sanyo]] MM-7400, Sanyo MM-5600, Sanyo MM-8300, [[w:Samsung|Samsung]] IP-A790, Samsung MM-A800, Samsung MM-A880 or an [[w:LG Group|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 [[w:Apple Computer|Apple]] recently introduced the [[w:Motorola|Motorola]] ROKR. The Motorola ROKR comes with a version of the [[w:ITunes|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 [[w:Cingular Wireless|Cingular Wireless]].

== Sources ==
*{{source|url=http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=13626&hed=Sprint+Tunes+in+Rhapsody
|title=Sprint Tunes in Rhapsody
|author=
|pub=Red Herring (magazine)
|date=September 19, 2005}}
*{{source|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002504470_btrealnetworks19.html
|title=RealNetworks streams tunes for Sprint
|author=Tricia Duryee
|pub=The Seattle Times
|date=September 19, 2005}}
*{{source|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/12684503.htm
|title=Sprint the latest to dial in the music
|author=Jessie Seyfer
|pub=Mercury News
|date=September 19, 2005}} (free registration required)
*{{source|url=http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/national/12686591.htm
|title=Sprint launches streaming music service
|author=[[w:Associated Press|Associated Press]]
|pub=The Miami Herald
|date=September 19, 2005}}

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[[Category:United States]]
[[Category:North America]]
[[Category:Internet]]
[[Category:Economy and business]]
[[Category:Sprint Nextel]]
[[Category:Rap]]
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.
United States North America Internet Economy and business Sprint Nextel Rap