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Sprint to Provide Some Sirius Channels on Wireless Phones

Posted on: Wednesday, 15 June 2005, 00:00 CDT

Jun. 15--Sprint Corp. soon will offer its wireless subscribers satellite radio without the satellite.

Sprint and New York-based Sirius Satellite Radio announced a deal Tuesday to provide some Sirius satellite music channels over Sprint wireless phones.

Although details remain sketchy -- there's no word, for instance, whether soon-to-be Sirius shock jock Howard Stern will grace your handset -- the two companies are expected to roll out the service this summer.

Sprint is considering adding channels ranging from rock and hip-hop to jazz and Broadway music, Sirius said in the announcement.

Sprint and Sirius are working on pricing and other details. But the partnership will beef up Sprint's growing wireless entertainment catalog.

"We're looking forward to this offering for our customers," said Jennifer Bosshardt, a Sprint spokeswoman.

The deal is the first between a satellite radio company and a wireless company. Unlike traditional Sirius broadcasts, the music will be transmitted over Sprint's wireless network, not by satellite.

Sirius spokesman Jim Collins said the company's goal is to be "technology agnostic." Sirius also provides programming to Dish Network customers.

"We would love to provide our content to as many people as possible over as many devices as possible," Collins said.

Sirius offers more than 120 channels for $12.95 a month. Generally, the service requires a special radio and an exterior antenna.

"Our exceptional programming is the primary force behind the rapidly growing success of Sirius, and we are excited about this venture with Sprint," said Scott Greenstein, the company's president of entertainment and sports.

The service will be available to Sprint customers with PCS Vision service.

The deal adds depth to Sprint's wireless entertainment offerings, which already include some radio channels, live TV, TV clips and games.

Sprint currently offers radio channels from MSpot and MusicChoice. The services each cost $5.95 a month.

Sprint shares closed Tuesday at $24.93, down 35 cents.

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FON, SIRI,

Source: The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Missouri)

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