Nokia "optimistic" operators will offer Comes With Music phones

Big four shun unlimited music service

3 October 2008 11:55 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

The big four UK operators have not committed to offer any of Nokia's forthcoming "Comes With Music" handsets, The FT reports.

Described as a "setback" for Nokia, neither Vodafone, O2 , Orange or T-Mobile will offers the music-themed handsets that come with unlimited music downloads in the run uo to Christmas.

The 5310 XpressMuisc, and the Comes With Music edition N95 will go on sale through Carphone Warehouse on 16 October, the 5310 as a pay as you go option, while details for the N95 are to be confirmed.

In addition, Nokia will also offer the handsets online and through their own shops.

The FT suggests that this "underlines tensions between Nokia and the operators" as the phone manufacturer is moving into offering services in areas that have been profitable for operators in the past.

A Nokia spokesperson told the FT: "We are optimistic we will have several operators on board by the end of the year".

Full tags

Phones, Mobile phone industry, Nokia, Biz