Disney set to expand with entry into UK mobile market

by Sam Matthews, Brand Republic 31-Oct-05, 08:45

LONDON – Disney could be about to enter the UK mobile market as early as next year as it hunts for senior executives to run the new venture.

According to a report in The Sunday Times, headhunters for Disney have approached managers working for large mobile operators to run a new UK business.

The move mirrors a similar initiative in the US. Disney announced in July it was setting up Disney Mobile with US telecoms giant Sprint, with a launch date expected early in 2006.

Disney is positioning the mobile phone company to families, but critics have slammed the entertainment firm, saying the mobiles would appeal to young children who are more likely to suffer from prolonged exposure to radio waves when using the phone.

Disney Mobile will also benefit from selling Disney-branded content to its customers, with children being the most likely to sign up to film clips such as 'The Incredibles' and 'Finding Nemo'.

Disney already runs a website disneymobile.co.uk, offering ringtones, wallpapers and games for mobile phones.

Disney refused to comment on the proposed launch but said in a statement: "We constantly look at business opportunities in other markets around the world, but there are no announcements to be made regarding the UK."

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