Nokia confirms NO over-the-air downloads for first Comes With Music phone

Nokia’s innovative Comes With Music launches in the UK next month with the 5310 XpressMusic phone. But given that the phone isn’t 3G, and will be on a pay-as-you-go contract, will it be slow and expensive (in data charges) to download tracks over the air?

Well, no, because you won’t be allowed to. Nokia has confirmed to music industry publication Music Ally that OTA full-track downloads will be barred on the 5310 – the Comes With Music service will effectively be PC-only, with users downloading tracks to their computer and then syncing them onto the phone. Initially, at least, until more handsets come out and Nokia signs deals with operators.

On the one hand, this is sensible, ensuring that users don’t have a bad and expensive experience with Comes With Music. And don’t forget that even the iPhone 3G doesn’t allow tracks to be downloaded over its 3G connection, only via Wi-Fi or synching. But on the other hand, the news is bound to raise speculation that Nokia needs those operator deals to really make the most of Comes With Music’s potential.

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