rhapsodynapsterlargeRhapsody subscribers, get ready to samba.

Through a partnership with Latin American carrier Telefónica, Rhapsody will be extending the reach of its Napster brand to Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Mexico. As a part of the partnership, Telefónica will be shutting down its Sonora streaming service, which is run through a subsidiary, and extending Rhapsody subscription offers to its mobile phone users.

In addition, Telefónica is the first carrier to release a Firefox OS-based smartphone, which means that Rhapsody will have a presence on the Firefox OS in addition to its apps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry.

“At Rhapsody, we have a rich history of providing music lovers instant, anywhere, anytime access to an unlimited catalog of music,” Rhapsody senior vice president and global head of product Paul Springer said in a press release. “We value product innovation and partnerships, and you’ll see both through this Telefonica relationship. As global smartphone usage continues to rise, particularly in Latin America, we are thrilled to put more music in the hands of music fans across the globe.”

It’s a big move for Rhapsody, which just last month laid off 15 percent of its staff as president Jon Irwin stepped down from the company’s board, while Columbus Nova Technology partners took up an equity stake in the company.

Previously on GeekWire: Shakeup: Rhapsody cuts 15% of workforce, president out as new investor arrives

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