Ringback tones to lead mobile content growth

Ringback tones - music heard when you're waiting for someone to answer their mobile phone - are likely to become the most attractive mobile content category within the next four years, according to research from MultiMedia Intelligence. It says worldwide revenue for ringback tones will nearly triple to $4.7 billion (£2.5 billion) by 2012, with ringback tone revenue coming a close second to mobile gaming revenue. (The mobile premium content figures don't include mobile video and mobile TV). Total revenue is expected to reach $29 billion by 2012. The company says ringback tones are largely unaffected by Digital Rights Management or piracy, unlike conventional ringtones. [Press release]