Nov. 2, 2006

Disney Mobile is trying to lure new customers to sign up for its service during the holiday season.

Disney's new strategy is to lower the cost of its handsets and to offer a free month of service, according to promotions on the mobile virtual network operator’s Web site.

Disney Mobile said it will offer users a free month of service if they sign on by Dec. 31. The move comes as other wireless carriers gear up for the holidays with new phones, revamped Web sites and new rate plans.

As for Disney Mobile’s handsets, the carrier’s silver Pantech Corp. DM-P100 flip phone is now available for free with a service plan, down from an initial price of $60.

The carrier’s red L200 clamshell from LG Electronics Co. Ltd., which was introduced at $110, is now selling for $50. The new prices are tied to a two-year contract and include a $100 instant rebate and a $50 mail-in rebate.

The $50 rebate is only available through Dec. 31 on plans activated by Jan. 15.

Disney Mobile filed documents with the Federal Communications Commission earlier this year to add a third handset to its line-up, a second silver flip phone called the Pantech/Curitel PN-320.

The company indicated that it expected to release the phone this fall.

According to the MVNO’s Web site, it plans to soon release a limited edition “Steamboat Willie”-themed handset, a silver flip phone with a cover that has an illustration of the black-and-white first cartoon incarnation of Mickey Mouse.

Source: RCR News