Research In Motion to launch BlackBerry mobile music service? : Tech Digest

Here's a corking rumour for you: apparently Research In Motion is teaming up with Omnifone to launch an unlimited music subscription service for BlackBerry devices. The service is expected to launch next month, before rolling out elsewhere in the world.

I'm not sure how that fits in with Omnifone's existing deal with Vodafone here in the UK, which is supposed to be exclusive. But it's an intriguing story if true, since it shows how BlackBerry handsets are becoming about far more than business email.

Research In Motion has yet to comment on the news, mind. Omnifone's Rob Lewis apparently let it slip to Reuters during the launch of the company's partnership with 3 in Hong Kong.

Ah, Lewis has now issued an official statement:

"I have no specific comment with respect to RIM/BlackBerry at this time. We can confirm that we will be rolling out with Vodafone UK in early November and we will be ensuring that the maximum number of Vodafone's customers are able to access MusicStation whichever phone they use. Our primary relationship in all rollouts is with the respective MNO [mobile network operator]."

So there you have it. It's possible that the Vodafone deal is an operator exclusive only, allowing Omnifone to launch separately with a handset manufacturer like RIM. Or it's possible that the music service will only be available on BlackBerry devices sold through Vodafone. We'll have to wait and see.