RCom ties up with Universal Music for 3G ops

Reliance Communications (RCom) today announced a strategic tie-up with Universal Music to offer music services for its CDMA and GSM mobile operations on its upcoming 3G platform.

As part of the partnership, RCom will offer music services such as ringtones, caller ringback tones, full tracks and mobile web radio streaming services to its 110 million mobile customers, the company said in a statement.

"Our exclusive partnership with Universal Music is among the tie-ups crafted for our customers as part of RCom’s 3G launch," Mahesh Prasad, President, Marketing, Wireless Business, RCom, said.

RCom has the licence to offer 3G services in 13 key circles, including Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Operators are planning to launch 3G services in the country by this year-end.

Shares of RCom closed at Rs 176.65, up 1.26 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Universal Music, the world’s leading music company, will offer its entire catalogue of international and Indian music to RCom.

As per the agreement, RCom and Universal will also arrange exclusive Indian concerts with artistes like Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan and Mohit Chauhan.

RCom’s agreement with Universal Music is in line with similar deals signed by the conglomerate with other global operators across the globe, including UK Orange, SingTel, Digi Malaysia, Bouygues Telecom, France Orange, Belgium Base and other Eastern European operators.