MUMBAI: AT&T has unveiled a service that allows subscribers to download music from Napster directly to their cellphones.

It represents a shift in AT&T`s stance on mobile music to an "over-the-air" download model versus "sideloading," or transferring music from a computer to a phone through a physical connection, says a CNN report.

The service, Napster Mobile, is an expansion of AT&T`s foray into music. In July, it began a download service called eMusic, which catered to the independent scene.

The carrier is following in the footsteps of Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel Corp, which have had similar services out for more than a year. The carriers look at data services as a growth opportunity, particularly as traditional voice revenue shrinks. Revenue from data is primarily made up of text messages, but music is a growing - albeit still small - contributor.

AT&T is charging $1.99 a track, or $7.49 for five of Napster`s more than over million songs, which it boasts is larger than the other carriers` music libraries, the report adds.