August 8, 2004
Dialing Disney
The company is thinking about getting into the cell-phone business, but would Disney fans switch from their current plans?
"Disney officials acknowledge that the company is considering the possibility of offering cell phones and wireless service tied to its Disney characters and its ESPN Inc. sports subsidiary, reports the OrlandoSentinel.
Killian, a 27-year-old resident of Pittsburgh, frequents Internet message boards dedicated to Disney, collects expensive Disney art, and travels to Walt Disney World at least twice a year.
Yet the self-proclaimed Disney fanatic says it might take some persuading to get her to switch to a Disney wireless plan and cell phone.
"If I was assured that it was the same level of service that I'm getting now, it might be something I'd be interested in," said Killian, an elementary-school teacher.
The company's Disney Mobile already has agreements with wireless companies and cell-phone manufacturers in 20 nations, including the United States, that allow customers of those companies to download sports scores, headlines from ABC News, music, games and Disney images. In Japan alone, nearly 4 million cell-phone users have access to Disney content.
But offering its own wireless service and cell phones would be new territory for Disney."
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