Sprint gets Real

Sprint is rapidly augmenting its mobile music offerings, teaming this week with RealNetworks for the launch of the Rhapsody Radio service just a week after pairing up with Sirius Satellite Radio for the launch of a different mobile music channel.

Rhapsody Radio, which is now available nationwide as part of the Sprint PCS Vision Multimedia Service.nationwide, provides commercial-free streaming radio stations from Real's Rhapsody online music service, streaming podcasts, a freestyle rap service called "Beats N Breaks,” and music news and videos.

Dan Sheeran, senior vice president of premium consumer services at RealNetworks, said in a statement, "This is an important step in our plan to make Rhapsody available to consumers any time from any device." Sprint and RealNetworks also already offer the Real rtv service.

In addition to the different music genre channels available, Rhapsody Radio includes streaming podcasts from KCRW Santa Monica 89.9 FM (KCRW.com); National Public Radio's Southern California flagship station, including "Morning Becomes Eclectic," which showcases live recordings of in-studio performances by independent and unsigned artists; and "Le Show" with satirist Harry Shearer. Customers will also receive music news and reviews and music videos from IMNTV, part of the Global Music International Company and an international aggregator of R&B, Hip Hop, International, Rock and Pop videos.

The cost of the new service is $6.95 per month.