Disney to End Family Phone Service
Thu Sep 27, 2007 3:47PM EDT
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Disney is getting out of the cell phone business—at least running every aspect of it on its own.
Steve Wadsworth, president of the Walt Disney Internet Group, said reaction from parents about what Disney was offering was positive but that competing in the "hyper-competitive U.S. mobile-phone market" proved starting a new mobile virtual network (MVNO) a "difficult proposition."
So instead Disney will shop major U.S carriers for a new home for its Family Center feature package, which includes a GPS locator service and web and handset tools to set usage and time limits on calls, texting, and downloads.
When Disney launched Disney Mobile in June 2006, it hit the market with a few teen-approved handsets and monthly plans, which would require parents to leave a current carrier behind or add a new monthly service bill to the family budget. Since then, companies such as kajeet emerged to offer pay-as-you go plans with services like web-based spending and time management tools. This month, Firefly Mobile announced plans for a newly designed phone for 'tweens, the $125 flyPhone and accompanying pay-as-you go plans, ditching its squat, five-button Firefly phone which never struck a chord with kids. And AT&T now offers a $5-a-month add-on service that allows parents and kids to set call and text limits.
Big changes in the market during the past year forced Disney to decide whether it wanted to make a major financial commitment to its MVNO, or "do we want to take what is a great product and find a better way to put it on the market, such as licensing with a major carrier," said John Spelich, a Walt Disney Internet Group spokesman. He said Disney is in talks with carriers about licensing Disney Mobile's applications, but he wouldn't say which ones.
In the meantime, if you've got a Disney Mobile plan, service and support will end on Dec. 31, 2007. For more info, check out the Disney Mobile web site or call 1-866-DISNEY2.
Look for details on a reimbursement plan for eligible customers on the DisneyMobile.com web site no later than Oct. 8.
Related: Hands-on Review: Disney Mobile Phones
AT&T Offers Parental Controls on Cell Phones
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1 Posted by nsrjbr on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:42PM EDT Report Abuse
hilo yes l sea but l dednt this and l dont need any think .becose me dont andarstand becose my englhe letil thinks .sorry.