SMS payment buys music downloads

Digital music company Wippit is to offer users the ability to buy music downloads from a mobile phone.

The revamped service features content from EMI Music, BMG and a number of independent record labels. Wippit's current catalogue is expected to expand from 60,000 to 150,000 tracks.

Downloads are priced 29p for discounted songs, 49p for standard and 79p for premium rated.

Paul Myers, chief executive and founder of Wippit, said in a statement: "Winning over those people who were unable to purchase music downloads legally because they do not have, or are not old enough to handle, credit cards is of utmost importance to us.

"We are ahead in addressing the younger market with our SMS billing solution."

Initially available to UK customers only, the SMS facility will be introduced to other territories including the US, Germany, Spain and Sweden later in the year.

Wippit is now raising its annual subscription costs from £30 to £49.99, and will broaden its range of downloads by bringing in video, entertainment, games and creative titles.

These will not be included as part of a Wippit subscription, but sold from the company's website.