this was an article back on dec 2, thought it would make for good conversation. sign me up, im interested. :digit:
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Late next year, ESPN said yesterday, it will begin offering its own branded cellphone service, using the Sprint PCS network. While details are still being worked out, the new ESPN Mobile brand will likely offer features like video highlights delivered to phone handsets and a scrolling ''ticker" on the phone screen with continuously updated scores. No prices have been disclosed.
ESPN follows Richard Branson's Virgin business empire as the second major consumer brand to begin offering wireless service in the United States, under a ''mobile virtual network operator" business model that has become popular in Europe and Asia. Virgin Mobile is also a joint venture with Sprint.
ESPN parent Walt Disney Co., Viacom Inc.'s MTV Networks, Wal-Mart Inc., and Target Brands Inc. are seen by many analysts as well-recognized brand names that might follow suit in coming years, although none has announced any clear plans. Nextel Communications Inc. supports a prepaid brand called Boost Mobile in many parts of the country.
In the case of ESPN, the network is focusing on a limited number of hard-core sports fans, not aiming to become a full-fledged alternative to industry giants like Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless LLC. ''This is intended to be for avid sports fans," John Skipper, ESPN's executive vice president for consumer products. ''We're not expecting to compete with major carriers."
___________________________________________________________
Late next year, ESPN said yesterday, it will begin offering its own branded cellphone service, using the Sprint PCS network. While details are still being worked out, the new ESPN Mobile brand will likely offer features like video highlights delivered to phone handsets and a scrolling ''ticker" on the phone screen with continuously updated scores. No prices have been disclosed.
ESPN follows Richard Branson's Virgin business empire as the second major consumer brand to begin offering wireless service in the United States, under a ''mobile virtual network operator" business model that has become popular in Europe and Asia. Virgin Mobile is also a joint venture with Sprint.
ESPN parent Walt Disney Co., Viacom Inc.'s MTV Networks, Wal-Mart Inc., and Target Brands Inc. are seen by many analysts as well-recognized brand names that might follow suit in coming years, although none has announced any clear plans. Nextel Communications Inc. supports a prepaid brand called Boost Mobile in many parts of the country.
In the case of ESPN, the network is focusing on a limited number of hard-core sports fans, not aiming to become a full-fledged alternative to industry giants like Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless LLC. ''This is intended to be for avid sports fans," John Skipper, ESPN's executive vice president for consumer products. ''We're not expecting to compete with major carriers."
