Charles Wang is trying to get subscribers addicted to his free text-messaging service, PingCo, so that he can start signing them up for premium services such as backing up address books, selling astrological charts and providing weather updates.

ECONOMIST: India and China are creating millions of entrepreneurs

Barnet Alliance for Public Services, which is backing Ms Nash's case, has previously warned the council plans to privatise up to 70% of its services.

BBC: Barnet services outsourcing challenged in court

Despite industry backing for several subscription-based online music services, such as Rhapsody, pressplay and MusicNet, response has been tepid.

ECONOMIST: How to pay the piper

In a report on the problems of the recent Hogmanay event, Jim Inch, the city's director of corporate services, called on the executive to pledge more financial backing for the Hogmanay celebrations.

BBC: Edinburgh on Hogmanay

One of News Corp's investors, Christian Brothers Investment Services, said the media group had to do much to secure shareholder backing for any switch.

BBC: News Corp confirms it is considering split