Confusion reigns over payment as Nokia prepares for Comes With Music.

Publishers and managers in the dark about revenue splits as Nokia gets its unlimited music service ready

Nokia's UK launch preparations for Comes With Music this autumn are happening against a backdrop of confusion over the way in which artists, publishers and songwriters will be paid.

The mobile-phone manufacturer announced last week that the UK will be the first territory to have the service, which will be available on the Nokia 531D XpressMusic handset and will allow users to download, free of charge for a year, tracks from a catalogue of music that will number millions of tracks, according to The Carphone Warehouse, which is now taking orders.

However, the announcement of the UK launch has occurred prior to the communications giant concluding talks with music publishers over their fees for the deal.

A publishing source notes, "The announcement by Nokia is a bit premature because the publishing deal has not been finalised yet. There's been a lot of talk about getting the major labels on board for Comes With Music, but as ever publishing seems to have been an afterthought."

Music Managers Forum chairman Jazz Summers is also in the dark as to how his artists will be paid for their repertoire being downloaded by Nokia handset owners and he is anxious for an explanation. "Nobody knows," blasts Summers. "Maybe Nokia don't even know."

He adds, "Everyone talks about transparency in the music business these days, but this whole deal with Nokia is completely opaque."