RealNetworks to provide music services to Vodafone users in Europe

RealNetworks has announced that they are now partnering with the mobile service provider Vodafone to provide music streaming and download services to their European customers.

The deal signed between the two companies state that RealNetworks will offer mobile music services, including Internet radio-style music streaming, to users of Vodafone’s Live entertainment and information portal.

Incidentally, Napster is now replacing Sony NetServices as the service provider for Vodafone. Sony NetServices is a joint venture company between Sony DADC and Sony Europe.

This new deal was signed after RealNetworks announced their decision to acquire Sony NetServices which offers personalized music streaming service StreamMan allowing their customers to download full songs or stream music to their mobile phones and personal computers.

With these acquisitions, RealNetworks aims to become a bigger player in the market by providing on-demand music offerings targeted at the wireless sector.