Amsterdam - Nokia (NYSE: NOK) has struck a deal with Universal Music Group to offer purchasers of new Nokia music handsets unlimited free downloads of Universal tracks to their phones for 12 months, with consumers able to keep the songs after the "Comes With Music" promotion ends. "The financial barrier to try new music is completely removed," Nokia spokesman Damian Stathonikos told Reuters, adding, "We are in talks with all major labels. The response from labels has been very, very positive."

"I believe the announcement will act as a catalyst for a whole number of business partners to step forward. It's definitely going to stimulate the business next year," Rob Wells, SVP for digital operations at Universal, told Reuters.

When asked to comment on how much Nokia paid for the rights to offer unlimited mobile downloads, Wells told Reuters, "Unless there was enough money for the world's biggest record company we would not have agreed to the deal."

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/1un1m (Reuters)

http://snipurl.com/1un1v (Reuters)

http://www.umusic.com

http://www.nokia.com