MetroPCS Offers Unlimited Music with Rhapsody

Los Angeles -  MetroPCS, the nation's fifth-largest wireless phone carrier, is jumping into the unlimited music business.

MetroPCS Communications Inc. on Wednesday announced a plan to offer unlimited on-the-go access to 12 million tracks through subscription music provider Rhapsody. The plan is bundled with unlimited voice, text and Web access on Android-powered smartphones for $60 a month.

The entry into the subscription music field follows the huge success of Muve Music, a $55-a-month plan offered by prepaid wireless carrier Cricket, a division of Leap Wireless International Inc. Muve added 100,000 subscribers within months of launching in January.

Rhapsody currently has about 800,000 subscribers. The plan is available immediately to the approximately 20 percent of MetroPCS's 9.1 million customers who have Android-powered smartphones. It will also be available in new Android phones sold by the carrier.

A significant hold-out in the plan is Warner Music Group Corp., the nation's third-largest recording company. That means Warner Music artists such as Linkin Park and B.o.B. won't be accessible for now. A Rhapsody spokeswoman said the company is working to reach a deal.