DENVER—Qwest Communications International Inc. has quietly launched Sprint Nextel Corp.’s full-track music download service for Qwest wireless customers.
The mobile virtual network operator is carrying the Sprint Music Store, which allows users to download songs to a mobile phone or PC for $2.50 per track. Indeed, it appears Qwest is selling the offering as the “Sprint Music Store,” rather than rebranding it as a Qwest product.
Qwest’s music-download offering is supported by the Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. A920 handset, which it sells for $140 with a two-year contract.
Wireless music distributor Groove Mobile powers Sprint Nextel’s full-track download service. Other Groove carrier customers include Orange, T-Mobile Hungary and Telecom New Zealand Ltd.
Qwest uses Sprint Nextel’s CDMA network to serve 784,000 wireless customers in Western markets such as Denver, Phoenix and Salt Lake City. Qwest representatives were not immediately available to discuss the music service.
Qwest appears to be the first U.S. MVNO to use the same full-track download offering as its network partner. Amp’d Mobile Inc. currently offers a full-track music download service, but the MVNO’s download service is separate from that of its network partner Verizon Wireless.
Qwest’s use of Sprint Nextel’s music-download service could pave the way for other MVNOs looking to offer digital music. Sprint Nextel’s network supports services from other providers including Disney Mobile, Mobile ESPN, Helio L.L.C. and Virgin Mobile USA L.L.C.
