NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—The Walt Disney Internet Group is teaming up with United Kingdom mobile network operator O2 plc to offer a Disney Mobile-branded mobile-phone service later this year in the U.K.
The services offered are expected to be similar to those announced at CTIA Wireless 2006 by Disney Mobile for the domestic market; Disney plans to launch in June in the United States with controls on children’s mobile minutes usage, access to the Internet and what numbers youngsters can access to call and send messages, along with Disney entertainment content.
“This announcement is a further demonstration of Disney’s commitment to growth through leveraging technologies,” said Attila Gazdag, managing director of WDIG Europe. “Disney Mobile will build on Disney’s reputation for quality in the family market to create an engaging and dependable mobile experience.”
In the U.K., Disney Mobile will operate on O2’s network on a wholesale basis; in the U.S., it uses Sprint Nextel Corp.’s network. Disney Mobile said it will be responsible for product development, billing, customer care and other business operations in the U.K. and added that its handsets will have a “stylish, adult design and come with a hands-free kit.”
While Disney Mobile is one of several next-generation mobile virtual network operators to begin offering service in the U.S., it is the first of the U.S.-based MVNOs to announce plans to expand its reach into overseas markets.
