Disney and ESPN Wireless Content Launches With PCS Vision From Sprint; Fall Marks Walt Disney Internet Group's Entry Into U.S. Advanced Wireless Content Market
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NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. and OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Sep 19, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Disney-, ESPN-/EXPN-branded wireless content is part of PCS Vision(SM), a next generation wireless service recently launched nationwide by Sprint (NYSE:FON) (NYSE:PCS), which operates the largest all-digital, all-PCS nationwide wireless network. The content offering includes Walt Disney Internet Group's (WDIG) first Java games in the U.S. and some of its first animated content, and ESPN ringers including the theme from "SportsCenter."
The Java games, multi-chord ringers, ringers combined with animated graphics and animated screen savers are available to Sprint wireless customers on a download basis -- direct from their Vision-capable PCS phones -- for $1-$2 per ringer and screen saver, and $3-$4 per game. Charges for these downloads will appear on customers' monthly PCS billing statements.
"The components needed to really develop the wireless data market are lining up, and PCS Vision is an important step," said Larry Shapiro, executive vice president of business development and operations, Walt Disney Internet Group. "The content we can deploy on next generation platforms, like PCS Vision, is a major advancement -- 16-chord enhanced ringers, animation and Java games. It will show consumers why they've been hearing so much about this new generation of wireless services."
"We are pleased to work with the Walt Disney Internet Group in providing Sprint wireless customers with their favorite Disney and ESPN content," said Chip Novick, vice president of consumer marketing for the PCS Division of Sprint. "With PCS Vision, customers can now personalize their Vision-capable PCS Phones with screen savers of popular Disney characters, Disney and ESPN ringers, and play graphically-rich Disney and ESPN/EXPN games on Vision-capable phones with full-color screens."
The Disney-branded images and ringers are modern adaptations of Disney classics. The Disney games are based on both classic characters and those from recent films including a game featuring Stitch from "Lilo and Stitch," Disney's recently released animated comedy. ESPN content includes the EXPN BMX and Skateboarding games and ESPN ringers include the themes from "SportsCenter," "Baseball Tonight," the X Games, and college football, college basketball and NHL telecasts.
Ringers and screen savers can be previewed on www.sprintpcs.com. All content can be purchased directly from the web site or Vision-capable PCS Phones, and then downloaded onto the phones.
Informational wireless content from Disney, ESPN and ABC has been available in the U.S. for several years and late last year, Walt Disney Internet Group introduced ringtones and graphics based on Disney characters and properties on WAP platforms. Sprint has offered Disney ringtones and screen saver content to its wireless subscribers since December 2001.
Disney launched its first mobile content in Japan in August 2000 and has since garnered more than 2.5 million paid subscriptions. It is available now throughout Asia and in Europe.
Initially, PCS Vision will include services that allow consumer and business customers to use their Vision-enabled PCS Devices to check personal and corporate e-mail; play games with full-color graphics; personalize their phones with polyphonic sounds and colorful screen savers; browse the Internet wirelessly with speeds comparable to a home computer's dial-up connection; and take and receive pictures with select Vision-enabled PCS Phones and the PCS Vision Camera(SM). The shift to providing clarity you can see and hear has revolutionized virtually every aspect of wireless service from Sprint. Results include significant advances to network, products, content management, training and back-office systems to provide the introduction of applications, features and devices that no other wireless carrier in the nation can match.
About Walt Disney Internet Group
Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) provides strategic leadership and operational management for The Walt Disney Company's (NYSE:DIS) Internet properties including category leaders Disney.com, ESPN.com, ABCNews.com and ABC.com. WDIG has led the way in developing new forms of interactive content, such as its Enhanced TV service which showcases the convergence of video and interactive programming, and is a market leader in developing and distributing entertainment and informational content to new platforms. Through relationships with some of the world's largest wireless carriers, WDIG distributes content and services to wireless users under the Disney, ESPN and ABC brands. Steve Wadsworth is president of WDIG, which is headquartered in North Hollywood, CA, and has operations in Seattle, New York, Orlando, Fla., Tokyo and London.
About Sprint
Sprint is a global communications company serving more than 26 million business and residential customers in over 70 countries. With approximately 75,000 employees worldwide and more than $26 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and Sprint's award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint provides local voice and data services in 18 states and operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States.
Walt Disney Internet Group
Kim Kerscher, 818/623-3266
kim.kerscher@dig.com
or
Sprint
Bit Vo, 913/762-7033
bvo01@mail.sprintpcs.com |
