9/27/2007

in

Disney is closing its cell phone service.

Susie Kopecky

The Disney cell phone is taking a break. In an article in The Wall Street Journal, it was announced that Disney will be shutting down the cell phone service it currently touts. The cell phones, aimed at entertaining children and providing special services to parents, could not compete well enough with the bigger cell phone carriers. According to the article, "Walt Disney launched Mobile ESPN and Disney Mobile last year as mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs." Disney also closed down its Mobile ESPN service last September, after waning interest by consumers.  
  
Disney has opted to contract with other major providers to offer ESPN and other video services. Disney and Verizon recently teamed up for such a venture. Disney may use any number of major carriers to provide other services as well. No exact figures are available to estimate what the closing will cost the Disney Co.