The new phone will be equipped with software that would allow it to play songs purchased at Apple’s iTunes Web site, according to Roger Entner, an analyst for research firm Ovum who said he learned of the plans from an industry executive.

Music downloads are expected to be one of the hottest services for wireless providers in the next year as these companies bet that consumers will increase spending as they use their phones for activities other than talking. But it was unclear whether the new phone will allow users to download music directly over a cellular Internet connection or if they would have to download songs to a computer and then transfer them to the handset.

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