Virgin Internet Radio Broadcasts to 3G Mobile Phones
Virgin Radio has made a number of its internet radio stations available on 3G phones:
Virgin Radio has become the first station to broadcast globally over 3G phones. The technology from Sydus mobile streaming services has made this possible, no matter where you are; Tokyo, Toronto or Chicago, if there is a wireless signal, there shall be music.
Anyone with a compatable phone can download Sydus software from Virgin Radio UK and start listening to Virgin Radio (rock and pop), Virgin Radio Groove, or Virgin Radio Classic Rock, for free.
This could be both good and bad for services like Torian and Motorola iRadio. The service could familiarize consumers with the practice of using cell phones for music players. It could also take the wind out of the sails of a Motorola iRadio launch in late 2005. Consumers satisfied with free, mobile internet radio may be unwilling to pay a monthly fee for Motorola iRadio.
Internet radio listeners, especially fans of indie music, unsigned artists, and garage bands, will still appreciate Motorola iRadio's breadth of listening options. However, many more internet radio providers will enter the music mobile phone arena before Motola iRadio launches this Christmas.
