Disney makes moves into wireless Web space

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.-Walt Disney Internet Group today announced two major content distribution deals-moves that come just one week after the company announced a distribution agreement with Taiwan Cellular Corp.-proof Walt Disney is moving rapidly into the worldwide wireless Web industry.
Today, Walt Disney Internet Group inked deals with Hong Kong CSL Ltd. and Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Ltd. for distribution of Disney Mobile content.
Under the CSL deal, Disney Mobile content will be available to subscribers this fall, and will include downloadable content based on Disney’s lineup of characters. The content will work over short message service and WAP services. CSL markets its services through three mobile brands: 1010, One2Free and 1+1 Communications.
Under the Hutchison deal, Walt Disney content will be available through the carrier’s Orange Dualband and CDMA networks in Hong Kong. The service will include Disney screensavers, wallpapers, logos, e-cards, and ring tones. Future offerings will include games and other more advanced content as Hutchison further develops its networks and handset base, the companies said.
“Hong Kong is an advanced wireless market,” said Mark Handler, executive vice president and managing director of the Walt Disney group. “We are pleased to make our content available to the subscribers of Hutchison, a leading wireless operator in this market.”
Walt Disney Internet Group provides strategic leadership and operational management for The Walt Disney Company’s Internet properties, which include Disney.com, ESPN.com, ABCNews.com and ABC.com.