Оpera Software, whose mobile browser stands as the most popular in Russia, is about to launch a paid musical offer designed specifically for the Russian market.
Artem Zinoviev, Opera’s Development Director for Russia and the CIS, told the Russian business daily Vedomosti that the new service will be made available for approximately 150 rubles, or $5, per month. Subscribers will enjoy unlimited access to two million Russian and foreign music tracks.
According to Nikolai Okorokov of Opera’s partner Rights Communications, the offer will attract no fewer than 1.5 million paid subscribers by the end of next year, even “by the most moderate [sales] forecasts.”
Russian record labels will receive from 15% to 25% of the revenues, while Western ones will get up to 40%, a source close to the project told Vedomosti. Mobile operators will retain 50%.
Opera is holding talks with major mobile operators to integrate the offer in their tariff plans.
