David Utter      2005-07-06

An agreement with wireless service provider Sprint will place Disney content on mobile devices.

The theme park and mass media company will see its signature mouse ears adorning content on handsets in the United States.

An agreement with Sprint will deliver the family-friendly Disney Mobile service to users at some point in 2006. The partners plan to offer exclusive handsets, and features and applications specific to the needs of families.

"This enhanced mobile service offering will ensure Disney's place as a leader in the family mobile market, one of the fastest growing segments of the mobile industry," said Steve Wadsworth, president of Walt Disney Internet Group.

Mr. Wadsworth noted the company would be in "investment mode for the next several years" as it builds up the market for its service. Given Disney's considerable marketing acumen, people can likely expect to see advertisements for Disney Mobile in multiple outlets.

Disney will be responsible for all aspects of the service, including product development, distribution, marketing, customer relations, billing and other business operations. Sprint will function as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and deliver the wireless connectivity.