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.

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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.

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

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