If you're mobile phone still notifies you of incoming calls with a 10 second snippet of Willey Nelson or Outcast, you are soooooo 2004.

Ringtones are out, reports analyst firm Canalys and the years that mobile operators would reap the profit by charging $2.50 per download are ending too.

Flat rate monthly plans are attracting more customers, but consumers really want true digital music, not the 10 second version for which they pay a 150% premium over an iTunes download.

Criminals and unscrupulous entrepreneurs put the final nail in the annoying industry's coffin by selling fake subscriptions and signing unknowing users up for subscription text message services.

I knew it all along. My phone has been ringing a very clear, obnoxious and efficient Desk Tone Low for years now, and I know that some day it will be hip again.

If that doesn't happen, give me half an hour while I go look to find out how to change the settings.

Tags: ringtones, cellphone, mobile phone

02 Aug 2005