Genie puts mobile users in touch with the stars

BT Cellnet subsidiary, Genie Internet, has announced a service that gives music fans access to their favourite movie and music stars via their mobile phone.

Genie claims the move to let subscribers hear all the latest news direct on their mobile phones - and direct from the artists in question - is an industry first. The stars themselves will introduce the industry gossip through a content deal between BT Cellnet, EMI and Virgin.

The service, called g-live, will feature as part of the Genie Internet service and users will be subject to a 5p per minute charge.

Brian Greasley, MD of Genie, told Silicon.com: "What excites us most about this is where it's leading. With the advent of wireless application protocol phones and third generation networks, you will be able to have an MP3 player on your mobile, and you will listen to music on your mobile phone. It will be the new Sony Walkman, but with much wider possibilities."