Verizon plans to launch, on January 16, a music-download service wirelessly, via mobile phones onto Windows PCs, writes CNET. Called V Cast Music, the service is intended to compete with Apple's iTunes and other, and it would give Microsoft, which is Verizon's partner in the project, a better foothold in mobile services. The service will be available via Circuit City, Verizon Wireless stores and Verizon's website, allowing customers to browse, preview, download and play music from a mobile handset and a computer.

Verizon expects the service to offer more than a million songs by spring, including music from artists on major labels, such as Warner Music Group, EMI Music, Universal Music Group and Sony BMG.

Through a partnership with Microsoft, Verizon's V Cast Music service allows the transfer of music between Windows PCs and mobile phones, giving Microsoft a better hold in the mobile infrastructure market.

Music execs, in turn, are eager for alternatives to iTunes and Apple's ability to set industry-wide prices and policies for digital music.