Billboard is launching a chart gauging the commercial popularity of ringtones. The Hot Ringtones chart will debut in the Nov. 6 issue of the magazine as part of a new Digital Entertainment special sec

Billboard is launching a chart gauging the commercial popularity of ringtones. The Hot Ringtones chart will debut in the Nov. 6 issue of the magazine as part of a new Digital Entertainment special section.

Similar to Billboard's charts for record and CD sales as well as Billboard Radio Monitor's coverage of radio airplay, the new chart will reflect the "Top 20" polyphonic ringtone sales for each week, including song title, artist, previous week's position and number of weeks on the chart.

The data is aggregated from each of the major ringtone distributors and wireless carriers, which represent more than 90% market share. The Hot Ringtones chart is a reflection of the most comprehensive market sample of ringtones worldwide and the single most comprehensive starting sample of any chart produced by Billboard to date.

The data for the Billboard Hot Ringtones chart is compiled from the primary providers of the U.S. market, including 9Squared, AG Interactive, Dwango Wireless, Faith West, Infospace Mobile, Kanematsu, Zingy and Ztango Inc. (a WiderThan company) and is endorsed by both CTIA -- The Wireless Association and the Mobile Entertainment Forum.