Nokia promotes new program for concert tickets

Nokia Corp. is teaming with live music company Live Nation to give mobile phone users access to concert tickets before they are available at the box office.
The handset manufacturer said registered users will receive exclusive ticket offers via e-mail or text message, and can access current offers from Internet-enabled devices. Music lovers then call a toll-free number or visit a Web site to purchase the tickets.
The Nokia Ticket Rush program is available to all wireless subscribers, although Nokia users will be granted “expedited venue access” at the show and are eligible for exclusive promotions. The companies plan to offer tickets for thousands of concerts at 160 Live Nation venues throughout North America.
“There is no single place where the intersection of mobile phone technology and live music is more evident than at one of our concerts,” said Russell Wallach, Live Nation’s president of alliances. “Nokia’s unparalleled ability to communicate directly with music fans through their mobile handsets, giving them early access to tickets and broadcasting news about upcoming shows, makes this innovative partnership valuable for both artists and fans.”