Real to Continue Providing Digital Music Services for SK Telecom Subscribers
Barcelona, Spain — February 11, 2008 — Digital entertainment services company RealNetworks, Inc. (RNWK) today announced the extension of its contract with leading Korean wireless services provider, SK Telecom to power its award winning MelOn service.
Since November 2004, through its acquisition of WiderThan, Real has powered the world’s first ubiquitous digital music service, SK Telecom’s MelOn. MelOn was the first integrated online and wireless subscription music service, allowing users to enjoy their music whenever and wherever they choose by streaming to a PC or downloading tracks to a mobile phone or portable music device. With the extension of this partnership, Real will continue to deliver premium digital music services to SK Telecom’s subscribers — the largest number of digital mobile music subscribers in Korea.
“Real’s digital music platforms and services have enabled SK Telecom to offer an advanced, reliable digital music experience to our subscribers,” said Abraham Jo (Won Yong Jo), director at SK Telecom. “Our partnership with Real has helped secure SK Telecom’s prominence and success in Korea’s digital music market.”
With its vast experience in providing digital entertainment services to wireless carriers, Real helps differentiate a carrier’s digital entertainment offerings in a competitive market. Using Real’s Rhapsody DNA technology, SK Telecom has introduced a Personalized Music Recommendation service, called “Channel,” which suggests and delivers new music based upon subscribers’ purchasing and listening patterns. With the extension of this partnership, Real will continue to work with SK Telecom to help introduce innovative music solutions.
“SK Telecom has utilized some of our most popular digital entertainment solutions for its members,” said Jay Kim, vice president of APAC & Music Business, RealNetworks Asia Pacific. “As the demands of the mobile consumer continue to evolve, Real is dedicated to keeping SK Telecom on the forefront of digital mobile music.”
Since 2000, Real has provided SKT with digital mobile entertainment services, including Multimedia Ringback Services and UGC with Social Networking Services. Real’s services are currently available through 78 different mobile operators in 37 countries worldwide, making them available to 785 million subscribers. Real offers wireless providers a comprehensive selection of mobile services including Music on Demand, Games, Video, Personalization (such as Ringtones, RingBack Tones) as well as messaging services.
Find RealNetworks at Mobile World Congress at Hospitality Suite 19 & 25 Hall 4, Level 0
