Nokia to release ‘Comes With Music’ phone

Nokia has announced plans to launch a range of mobile handsets that allow UK users to download up to 2.1 million songs for free.

The new set of “Comes With Music” phones – aimed at reducing the popularity of the iPhone – will give users 12 months free access to the 2.1 million songs, around a quarter of the number of songs available for the iPhone.

Music tracks can be transferred to PCs at no extra cost, and can be kept forever, although customers wanting to download more music after the 12 month limit will have to buy a new handset.

The world’s three biggest music labels, Universal, Sony BMG and Warner Music Group, have all signed deals with Nokia to offer their music on the service.

Nokia’s UK Managing Director Simon Ainslie said the move is a ‘unique proposition’.

Ainslie explained that no company has launched an unlimited download music services that lets you keep downloaded tracks with no catches.

However, Nokia has not been able to find a network provider to back the device, so customers will have to insert their own SIM card, or sign up for a SIM-only contract.

Network operators are reluctant to get involved as they each have their own music download services and are unwilling to redirect customers to Nokia’s download store.

A deal with Carphone Warehouse has been signed to exclusively sell the first released model in the range, expected in October.

A spokesperson for Carphone Warehouse said that the mobile chain is expecting the “Comes With Music” phone to be this year’s must have Christmas gift.

Handsets in the range are expected to cost between £100 and £300.