Mobile ESPN: This is an example of the kind
of content you can get on your phone
when you are a Mobile ESPN subscriber.
Want it? [ Image: Mobile ESPN ]
MobileTracker reported that Mobile ESPN is now available at Best Buy stores throughout the country as of Sunday. Mobile ESPN (a handset with bundled mobile phone service) had been available for purchase on-line since the Fall. The nationwide launch was announced in a 60-second ad during the Super Bowl called “Sports Heaven”.
Mobile ESPN is a service that is delivered exclusively through the Sanyo MVP handset. The MVP has a competitive set of features for the multimedia / cameraphone market:
- High Speed Data Access
- 1.3 Megapixel Camera with built-in flash and video capture capability
- Dedicated Button to call-up the Mobile ESPN service (“The E Button”)
- MP3/AAC Music Player
- Speakerphone
- Stereo headset
- USB connector and cable for PC connection
- 16-Megabyte Mini SD card
Mobile ESPN is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator using the Sprint network. Sprint is well into the process of upgrading to the EV-DO wireless data standard, and this is key to the delivery of such features as ESPN video to the handset. A number of reports indicate that Mobile ESPN will be the first MVNO offering in the United States to bundle unlimited wireless data access with all of its available subscription plans. That makes sense because so many of the features of the service require wireless data access.
ESPN will be walking a fine line with its Mobile ESPN service. ESPN is going to continue to sell sports information to other mobile carriers. I assume that the Mobile ESPN service will provide much more information to the hardcore sports fan and that it will be a much more immersive experience as well.
ESPN also has to manage a relationship between itself, Sprint, and the NFL; Sprint is operating NFL Mobile on behalf of the league and promising exclusive content. I’ll be interested to see how exclusivity is parceled out, particularly with respect to Monday Night Football which will be on ESPN.
Technorati Tags: Mobile ESPN, Sanyo MVP, Sprint, EV-DO, NFL Mobile, Monday Night Football