Slashdot Mirror
Virgin Radio Launches 3G Radio Service
An anonymous reader writes "Virgin Radio, one of UK's top radio stations, has launched the first 3G radio service for free (as in beer). This is great news for those with a Symbian equipped phone and an unlimited data plan. Various articles suggest that mobile radio could be a major threat to satellite radio. Russell Beattie and friends have had an initial look and commented on the program."
As stated in the Wall Street Journal, Virgin actually attempted to acquire Sirus radio early in 2004, however they could not settle on an amount and the deal fell through. This must be Virgins plan to twart satellite radio, and maintain their hold on the communications market. XM and Sirus should merge to stay competitive in the market and drop their prices. Only time will tell where they go with this one.
Want to learn about anything sexual? Check out the sex wiki:
Most new mid to high range phones sold in the UK also come with the ability to recieve FM radio stations. Radio is still going strong here - Clearchannel hasn't taken over.
In the UK you can get Symbian based phones for free on contract relatively cheaply. For example my Noia 6670 was free on my contract (~£25 per month, 250 Min cross network talk time free). I imagine 7650s (my last Symbian phone, £50 on a similar plan 2 years ago) are basically freebies on the cheapest plans now.
As for unlimited data plans, O2 dont seem to charge for the use of the GPRS connection either. At least I've never been charged for it during 2 years woth of use.