SMART PRE-RELEASE PROMO: Cingular Wirelss To Debut Songs As Ringtones Before Radio

The HollywoodReporter.com writes that "Cingular Wireless will debut new music singles from top artists as cell phone "ringtones" on its network before those songs make their traditional radio debut…"

Cingular said it will launch the "Cingular Sounds" program with the new Coldplay track "Speed of Sound." The song does not release to radio until April 18 and the band’s new album is not due until early June…"

"…The global ringtone market is estimated at around $3 billion. Cingular, a venture of SBC Communications and BellSouth, is the largest U.S. wireless carrier. It said last month it had reached 50 million subscribers. The company sells ringtones for $1.99 to $2.49."