Forget about ad-supported downloads and streams for one moment.  Because Burger King, Virgin Mobile USA, and Warner Music Group are now serving an ad-subsidized ringtone. 

The ringtones aren't free, though the branding involvement of Burger King lowers the price to one dollar.  "When the concept for an ad-supported ringtone promotion was first proposed, we jumped at the chance to participate with Virgin Mobile," said Perry Bashkoff, vice president of Digital Sales and Marketing at WEA Corp, the US-based sales and retail marketing division of WMG. 

Dubbed the Virgin Mobile Ringtone Value Menu, the concept gives Virgin Mobile USA subscribers a nicely-discounted alternative.  Participating artists include Buckcherry, Casa De Leones, Danity Kane, Estelle, War, Group 1 Crew, James Otto, and Plies.  The ringtones can be downloaded on-deck or online.