Helio announces music service, subscriber data

MVNO Helio announced the launch of Helio Music, an over-the-air full-track download service touting content from major label conglomerates including Universal, Warner, Sony BMG and EMI. Alongside features including artist bios, community recommendations and preview clips, Helio is introducing a content sharing service called "Gift & Beg" enabling subscribers to share recommended music by purchasing tracks for friends which are then downloaded directly to the recipient's handset--consumers may also "beg" a friend for tracks from their musical library. Helio also announced plans to roll out a PC version of Helio Music this spring.

"Shopping for music on a phone from a major carrier is a little like browsing the music aisle at a department store--a lifeless experience watered down to the lowest common denominator," Helio CEO Sky Dayton said in a prepared statement. "Helio Music is a throwback to the corner record shop, combining great selection with a music-loving staff that can help you quickly find what you're looking for, and a comfortable environment where it's fun to just browse and discover."

In announcing its new music service, Helio also reported it will pass the 100,000 subscriber threshold in the second quarter of 2007, with ARPU exceeding $100 per month. According to Helio, data services account for an estimated 25 percent of its ARPU totals.

For more on Helio Music:
- read this release

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