Mobile music applications are one of the fastest growing mobile services, according to results of a global survey by TNS Global Technology.

In 2007, the use of mp3 players on mobile phones increased 78 percent; listening to the radio on mobile phones was up 140 percent.

In Latin America and Asia, 45 percent of users said an AM/FM radio is one of the top features they are looking for when purchasing a mobile phone, which outranked SMS, Internet access and even a camera, according to survey results reported by eMarketer.

In addition, 43 percent of global mobile users listen to mobile music. It is especially popular among 16-to-21 year olds – with 66 percent listening to mobile music; but only 20 percent of 51-to-60 year olds are doing so.

"The radio is a hugely underrated media tool," said Matthew Froggatt, managing director at TNS, according to eMarketer. "This new outlet through mobile phones may help to sustain its life well into this millennium.”

In some markets, such as India, a mobile phone without radio-listening capabilities is difficult to sell, according to Froggatt.