NEW YORK-Mobile ESPN L.L.C.’s unveiled rate plans for the trial launch of its mobile virtual network operator service that rolled out this week in a handful of markets. The postpaid plans include a bundle of voice and wireless data services using Sprint Nextel Corp.’s CDMA network.
The rate plans begin at $65 per month and include 450 anytime calling minutes, unlimited night and weekend calling plus a plethora of exclusive wireless data content from ESPN that includes up to 35 megabytes of data transmission. Plans ratchet up to $225 per month for 4,000 anytime minutes and the wireless data package.
The exclusive content includes streaming video and sports news that take advantage of the company’s Sanyo Electronic Co. Ltd. MVP handset and Sprint Nextel’s CDMA2000 1x EV-DO network where available. Customers also are given text and multimedia messaging capabilities as well as the ability to manage their ESPN fantasy sports teams. The Sanyo handset, which is also compatible with Sprint Nextel’s more extensive 1x network, retails for $400 after a $100 rebate.
The service is available exclusively through Best Buy retail locations in Austin and San Antonio, Texas; Minneapolis; and Reno, Nev. The carrier also plans to sell service through its Mobile ESPN Web site in time for the holiday season. The service is scheduled to have its nationwide launch on Feb. 6-Super Bowl Sunday-with Best Buy having the exclusive “bricks and mortar” retail distribution channel for two months following the launch.