Disney Mobile Taps O2 to Offer Family-Friendly Service in United Kingdom

The Walt Disney Internet Group has announced its intention to create the first mobile phone service in the United Kingdom specifically designed for families. The service, called Disney Mobile, will use the O2 network and is expected to launch later this year. This move is in line with the Walt Disney Co.’s focus on growth through the application of technology to enhance its content and expand its distribution.

Disney Mobile plans to offer a family package, which will include multiple handsets within the same subscription, allowing parents to tailor the service to meet the unique communications needs of their family. The service will include product options that encourage improved family communication as well as family entertainment content. In addition, Disney Mobile will provide customizable tools to balance children’s needs with controls that allow parents to manage family phone usage and help teach children responsible use, including the ability to control children’s spending on their mobiles; limited Internet access and no access to chat rooms; and the ability to program a restricted amount of numbers for voice calls and messaging.

Disney Mobile will use the O2 network on a wholesale basis and will be responsible for all aspects of the service, including product development, distribution, marketing, customer relations, billing and other business operations. Disney Mobile handsets will have a stylish, adult design and come with a hands-free kit, said the company.

Disney Mobile service will launch in the United States in June.

O2 plc www.o2.com  

Walt Disney Company http://disney.go.com  

Walt Disney Internet Group http://corporate.disney.go.com/wdig/index.html  

Walt Disney Mobile http://disney.go.com/disneymobile