iO Signs Sony BMG Deal

Sony BMG Music Entertainment has signed a distribution agreement with iO global, the worldwide provider of integrated mobile content solutions, which will enable iO global to deliver the entire Sony BMG digital music library of over 300,000 songs, in multiple formats, to consumers mobile devices, PCs and TVs, via network operators. The agreement covers South and West Africa and will roll out initially in South Africa.
The service will be delivered via iO globals Mobile Entertainment Platform, which automates the entire process for the operator, including packaging, pricing, delivery and real-time billing, meaning that consumers can easily select, pay for, download and enjoy Sony BMGs content where they want it, when they want it and in their preferred format; whether its full track, album, video or ringtone. The customer can then consume the tracks from Sony BMGs extensive library across the three screens of mobile, PC or TV.
The distribution agreement with iO globalwill enable consumers to access and download the music of their choice, at any time and place, regardless of device, says Sony BMG Africa CEO, Keith Lister. We believe the extensive music library, which includes R Kelly, Beyonce and Sean Kingston, as well as African superstars Malaika, Freshlyground and Joyous Celebration, will start a new wave of music downloads throughout South Africa.
iO global CEO Martin Knestrick adds:
The first phase of the agreement with Song BMG commences in South Africa, which will enable consumers to easily select the music they want, pay, download and enjoy content seamlessly on their mobile. Network operators are able to sign up with us to deliver the entire Sony BMG library to their subscribers, which is an extremely compelling offering. We look forward to rolling this out to other regions over the course of the coming months.