Despite being really late to the mobile down-load party, Vodafone has finally turned up. Better late than never, I guess, but don't expect any bargains as there are no party favors for UK customers looking to get a break on the price. The service known as Vodafone Music, however, will allow users to preview a 30 second clip before opting to purchase.
Singles will retail at 99p per download, where as iTunes sell for 79p at Apple's Music Store. Albums will sell for 7.99 pounds. As to what will happen with MusicStation, the music subscription download service which is exclusive to Vodafone remains unclear. Currently users pay 1.99 pounds per week and can download an unlimited number of songs.
This might seem like our cousins across the pond are getting a raw deal because 99p equates to twice the price when converted to the measly dollar, but given the purchasing power of the pound is approximately the same as the dollar, it is commensurate with iTune prices here in the US.
O2, the other major UK mobile carrier is looking to Sony BMG to launch a similar program in the weeks to come.