MySpace, the original music-based social networking site, is in a way returning to its roots, except this time on cell phones. According to an Adweek report relayed by MocoNews, MySpace is slowly trying its hand at letting its users access free ad-supported music via Textango, a mobile billing and online music delivery service.

It looks like MySpace isn't taking any big chances here. "It involves only one band so far, the alternative group Pennywise, and won't get started until March," according to the report. "Sales of the Pennywise's eight previous albums have ranged from 60,000 to 100,0000. MySpace expects most of those buyers to sign up for the free downloads."

MocoNews calls the experiment a first test of whether an ad-supported model is a viable method of leveraging the artist relationships it has built over the last several years.

MySpace Tests Ad-Supported Music Downloads With Mobile Billing Service Textango [MocoNews]