LG's MusicStation Max hits delays

LG has had to push back plans to launch a music download service in the UK this year with music partner Omnifone.

The unlimited download service dubbed ‘MusicStation Max’ was set to launch in the UK last month, but will now be delayed until next year.

However, LG’s senior global management have decided to launch the music service in some countries in the Far East and Scandanavia instead of in the UK.

LG’s UK chief, John Barton (pictured), said: ‘We have some very strong propositions in the market for this year without adding music. We have the best value five-megapixel phone [KC550], the category ownership of mainstream messaging and QWERTY handsets, and the best value touch-screen [Cookie].’

LG is also close to bringing its mini laptops onto the market in the coming weeks.

Sources close to LG said they were concerned about alienating its operator partners with a music download service and clashing with Nokia’s Comes With Music, as well as trying to take on too many activities in the run-up to Christmas.

One source said: ‘They don’t want to be the ones to tweak the operators’ noses. They are still launching MusicStation Max, but in unsubsidised markets in the Far East where there isn’t the risk.’

It is widely believed that there is no exclusivity between Omnifone and Sony Ericsson, which is close to launching its music download service PlayNowPlus, created through Omnifone’s software and music library.