Disney's cell phone service in the U.S. is apparently shutting down by the end of the year due to the slowness of the U.S. market to spread third-generation mobile networks. But by this coming spring, its cell phone service will launch in Japan, where the wider availability of 3G cell phone service, together with its deal with Softbank Mobile to lease its telecom networks, will enable Disney to become a MVNO (mobile virtual network operator). Disney and Softank will work together to develop handsets to be sold at 2,400 Softbank outlets throughout Japan. Disney's goal is to attract a million customers by using its famous characters in their handset designs and offering downloads of animated films.

Via The Nikkei Weekly (subscription)