Nokia has delayed to next year the launch of its music service in the United States, the world's largest music market, Forbes magazine reported online on Monday, quoting a Nokia spokeswoman.

When the world's top cellphone maker Nokia launched the service last October it said it would open the service in the United States in 2009.

A Nokia spokeswoman told Reuters the firm has not given any date on launching the service in the U.S.

We've actually not given a firm time-frame yet for when it will be launched in North America. Our priority is on creating and delivering an optimal experience as we roll this service out in each market, the spokeswoman said.

Nokia unveiled its music-bundle Comes with Music last October in Britain -- seen as the acid test market for new mobile services in Europe -- but it has gained little traction. So far Nokia has launched the service in nine countries.

Comes With Music offers unlimited music from major music labels and a number of independents and the music can be kept after the contract has expired. The individual tracks can be downloaded to a phone and a single computer and are free, though the cost of the music is reflected in the price of the phone or subscription itself. (Reporting by Tarmo Virki; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)

United kingdom Launch