Finnish mobile handset maker Nokia is in talks with leading music content providers and music companies for rolling out its virtual music stores in India.

The company is tying up with around 150 music companies, including Universal Music, Warner Bros, Sony BMG and other national music leaders, Nokia India Regional general manager (North) Chandan Dang said.

Nokia is likely to offer the service in India with a free one-year subscription on purchase of select Nokia handsets.

"We are planning the launch the services in the first half of this year. Our similar services in the UK launched on 5310Xpress music device is evincing good response from music lovers. However, our format may be different than the one in UK as preferences of Indians are different from the English.

"Also, unlike the UK, in India the service should be made compatible on low-end handsets for a better click with Indian customers. The service will also help in boosting the handset sales," he said.

Consumers would be able to access and download music on their mobile phones and PCs. The service would allow users to download and store unlimited songs and even after the subscription expires.