Music played on mobile phones could become more successful than mobile gaming, according to a study released Tuesday by market research firm In-Stat. However, the study added, the mobile music industry must mature before that happens, the study warned.

The study identified a group the research firm called "Mobile Music Intenders," who would like to play music on their phones. That group is desires to either listen to streaming music or music downloaded and stored on their mobile phones.

This group is ready for mobile music now, but the industry isn't until issues such as pricing and digital rights management are figured out, the study said. As a result, those "Intenders" may move on to other applications.

"The window to catch … those interested in mobile music services … may be closing soon," In-Stat analyst David Chamerlain said in a statement. "They're ready to buy new handsets and they're willing to pay extra for handsets that play music. Without available music services or handsets, carriers may miss this opportunity to grab what could end up being a very lucrative mobile music market.

The study reported that the so-called Intenders are willing to spend more for their handsets than other users and that two-thirds expect to buy new phones before the end of the year. The group also is younger and more male than the general population and their preferred mobile carriers in the U.S. are Sprint and T-Mobile.