Disney expands into UK mobile phone market
LONDON – Disney is set to unveil a new family-focused mobile phone service in the UK later this year, which follows the up-and-coming launch of a similar service by the company in the US.
The service, called Disney Mobile, will use the O2 network and will feature mobile handsets, entertainment content and parental controls, allowing parents to tailor the service.
According to research by Mori, 64% of children aged 10-15 in the UK now own a mobile phone, a figure that has almost doubled since early 2000.
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The move comes as an increasing number of companies, known as MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators, are renting space on mobile phone networks.
In the UK, these include retailer Tesco and Virgin Mobile, which operates on the T-Mobile network.
A Disney spokesperson said that the Disney mobile venture would offer ringtones and videoclips with the subscription package.
The handsets will have the branding inside the phone, rather than outside.
In the US, Disney recently said it would be offering downloads of its most popular programmes including 'Lost' 'Desperate Housewives', which air on its ABC network.
The spokesperson added: "This announcement is a further demonstration of Disney's commitment to growth through leveraging technologies.
"Increasing numbers of parents are choosing to buy mobile phones for their children as a way of keeping in touch and they are looking for a responsible service offering provided by a trusted brand."
Disney is looking at launching phone services in other markets in Europe and the rest of the world.
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Disney: launching mobile phone in the UK
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