Verizon Wireless Plans Music Phone, Service

Verizon Wireless will unveil a music-playing phone and online music service to compete with Apple Computer Inc.’s iTunes store and phone to be launched with Motorola Inc.

A Verizon Wireless-branded LG Electronics Inc. handset will be available by August, as much as a month before Motorola and Apple are due to unveil an iTunes phone. Verizon Wireless’ music service is expected to be up and running in six to eight months, Chief Executive Dennis Strigl said.