3G Operator 3 UK Music Download Partnership with The Orchard

POPKOMM, BERLIN – SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2007, The Orchard, a global leader in digital music, video and new media services, and 3, the UK’s leading mobile media company, announced today the completion of a comprehensive agreement to license music, video, and mastertone content from The Orchard for delivery across the 3UK network.

The deal will allow 3’s customers access to a significant and diverse music offering, spanning international multi-platinum acts, cutting-edge breaking bands, and iconic and historically significant regional music.

3 has the largest 3G network in the U.K. and has led the industry by driving innovations including premiering music singles over mobile devices and broadcasting concerts directly to handsets. 3 were also the first to offer dual delivery, where a customer who downloads a track can access it either on a mobile device or PC for the same price.

”3 knows that independent music is a crucial part of providing customers with music discovery and catalogue depth," said Greg Scholl, president and chief executive of The Orchard. "As the only independent music distributor 3 has licensed directly, we appreciate 3’s commitment to work with us and bring important non-mainstream music to UK customers.”

3 UK Marketing Director, John Penberthy-Smith says, "We love music at 3. We are strong believers in delivering the widest possible range of content to our customers. Our partnership with The Orchard means we have expanded our music service even more. With this we will continue to have the most comprehensive mobile music service on the market.”