Technology-crazed Finns can now play their favorite tune on a juke-box or buy a bottle of coke from a vending machine using mobile phones instead of coins. Telecom Finland, launching the service on Wednesday, said one of Helsinki's restaurants had already fitted a juke-box with a digital device which directly debited callers' telephone accounts when they selected a tune.

Similar devices have been installed in two Coca-Cola vending machines, the telephone company said.

Finland has the world's highest penetration of mobile phones at more than 40 per 100 inhabitants. It is home to Nokia, one of leading producers of mobile phones.

(c) Reuters