LAS VEGAS—Recently launched sports-oriented mobile virtual network operator Mobile ESPN L.L.C. reported a deal with network partner Sprint Nextel Corp. to expand the distribution of Mobile ESPN phones and services to at least 500 Sprint Nextel retail locations in the United States and Puerto Rico by this summer. Mobile ESPN initially launched service in February exclusively through Best Buy retail locations, though the service has been available through Mobile ESPN’s Web site since late last year.
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“As Sprint continues to expand its distribution capabilities, and customer demand for content and data increase, it’s a natural fit for us,” said Jeff Auman, vice president of retail stores for Sprint Nextel. “The addition of Mobile ESPN provides our customers with access to a unique offering of sports content specifically tailored to the sports fan.”
Mobile ESPN provides postpaid wireless services integrating ESPN content and includes service plans with unlimited data services designed to take advantage of the carrier’s CDMA2000 1x EV-DO network.
The Mobile ESPN service will join Sprint Nextel’s CDMA and iDEN offerings, as well as prepaid services from subsidiary Boost Mobile L.L.C. and MVNO partner Virgin Mobile USA L.L.C. Sprint Nextel also has an MVNO relationship with soon-to-launch Disney Mobile and recently signed network agreements with a handful of cable companies.