Hutch, Hungama mobile introduce ‘Full Song Download’

Media Release

New Delhi, May 1

Mobile Telephony and Music industry together took a significant step today for providing full entertainment to customers with convenience. Hutch today introduced an innovative service ‘Full Song Download’. Taking the first step, Hutch along with Hungama Mobile, Filmkraft and T-Series announced the music premier of the forthcoming blockbuster ‘Krissh’ through this service.

Full Song Download is a natural next step of Hutch to provide its customers with a service which allows downloads of full songs across many categories like Bollywood, International, Indipop & Regional hits amongst others on their Hutch phones through PlanetHutch. Starting May 15, 2006 this service will be available to Hutch postpaid and prepaid customers across all circles (except Maharashtra & Goa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala).

The ‘Full Song Download’ service at present is compatible with 9 popular Nokia handsets (including the Nokia 6600), which are being used by more than five lakh Hutch customers. This service is available at a charge starting as low as Rs. 20 per song.

To download full songs, Hutch customers will first have to download the music player available free of cost from PlanetHutch. This will allow customers to download and enjoy their favourite songs on their Hutch phones and personalise it by creating various playlists.

Naveen Chopra, Chief Marketing Officer, Hutchison Essar said, “Hutch customers can now purchase their favourite songs at their convenience anywhere and anytime on their Hutch phones. This innovation allows our customers to download full songs of outstanding sound quality at a faster download speed. Taking the first step, we are delighted to premier the music of ‘Krissh’ on Full Song Download service in association with Hungama Mobile and Filmkraft.’ added Naveen.

Neeraj Roy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hungama Mobile, said “Hungama Mobile has always believed in introducing new innovations in mobile entertainment to capture the imagination of the Indian youth. The launch of full length music on the mobile today is a step in that direction.”

Rakesh Roshan, Managing Director, Filmkraft said, “I congratulate Hutch and Hungama Mobile on this first step into a whole new realm of mobile technology. I’m glad my film, Krissh, which in many ways is a first of a kind, is the first collaboration with this new service.”

Bhushan Kumar, Managing Director, Super Cassettes Industries Ltd (T Series), said, ”T Series has been at the forefront of capturing the digital music opportunity in India. As the largest publisher of Indian music in the world, we could not have found a better partner in Hungama Mobile and a more appropriate film than Krrish to launch the first full length music download service in India with Hutch.”

About Hutchison Essar Limited

Hutchison Essar Limited, with over 15.3 million* subscribers after the BPL Mobile Cellular Limited acquisition, is one of the most reputed telecom companies in India. Over the years, it has been named the ‘Most Respected Telecom Company’, the ‘Best Mobile Service in the country’, and the ‘Most Creative and Most Effective Advertiser of the Year’.

*Figures from Cellular Operators Association of India, 31 March 2006

For further information contact:

Genesis Public Relations

Malini Sharma – 9820551217

Pooja Trehan - 9820299051