11 December 2007

Nokia Signs Deal with
Wireless Broadband Provider The Cloud

Nokia today announced a deal with The Cloud, Europe's leading wireless broadband provider, which will see its customers gain free access to the new Nokia Music Store whilst on the move at any one of over 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspots.

This definitely great move by Nokia and this agreement reinforces Nokia's commitment to become an Internet driven experiences company, offering not only great devices but also exciting services around them.

In my perosnal opinion this agreement is most probably related to the Come with music concept announced few days ago in Amsterdam that supposed to allows completely free and unlimited music download. Sure for completely free music you’ll also need a free bandwidth and therefore this is the great move from Nokia.

I am only disappointed because this is only related to music and as I am much more in INTERNET I would like to ask why only MUSIC! I’ll rather choose the few minutes of browsing than the whole day of unlimited music download!?

However, as I said this is still great move, especially considering the expensive data bandwidth in some countries and especially crazy expensive data transfer while you are in roaming!!!

The non-exclusive deal gives users a free Wi-Fi connection to the Nokia Music Store, which features over two million tracks from major artists, independent labels and up-and-coming UK acts at http://music.nokia.co.uk.

With a single account, music lovers can access the Nokia Music Store via their laptop computer or directly from optimised Nokia devices through Wi-Fi, beginning with the Nokia N81 and Nokia N95 8GB. Individual tracks cost 80p each with albums from £8. The Nokia Music Store also offers a monthly subscription for PC streaming for £8.

Nokia Music Store customers will experience fast download speeds and a seamless user experience over a Cloud Wi-Fi connection, allowing them to download tracks in seconds, rather than minutes. Cloud Wi-Fi networks are available in wide range of popular locations including McDonalds, Coffee Republic, BAA airports and across London's Square Mile. Just select ‘Wi-Fi Zone - The Cloud' as an access point to start browsing and downloading.

Richard Sandford, Regional Manager, Nokia Music UK & Ireland, said: "We are committed to offering the best possible experience for Nokia Music Store users. Browsing and downloading tracks over Wi-Fi with The Cloud is a great way to enjoy the Nokia Music Store, in an easy and cost effective way".

Owen Geddes, Director of Business Development, The Cloud, added: "If I am out and about and I hear a track in a shop or a friend recommends something, I want to be able to download it immediately – not wait until I get home.

It is this immediacy that The Cloud caters for. The high speed connectivity of Wi-Fi means it is the only real choice for consumers wanting fast and easy access to all types of multimedia content on the go. The Cloud is committed to partnering with the key innovators in mobile media such as Nokia to bring the most entertaining services to users of The Cloud network.