Oct. 18, 2006

Nokia Corp. has signed a deal with Turner Broadcasting to offer content from the Cartoon Network directly to wireless users.

Subscribers will be able to browse and download games, video clips and other offerings from a dedicated mobile storefront via the Nokia Content Discoverer client.

This mobile storefront will be embedded in some of Nokia’s Series 40 and Series 60 handsets.

The client is designed to support a virtual shopping mall of storefronts run by branded content providers, aggregators and network operators.

The move is Nokia’s latest effort to re-enter the direct-to-consumer wireless content market. The world’s largest phone maker shuttered its Club Nokia business two years ago as carriers moved aggressively to keep consumers on-deck.

However, network operators now are increasingly welcoming direct-to-consumer activity as a viable revenue stream.

“Accessing and buying mobile content can often be challenging for the end user,” said Phil Lawrie, Turner’s vice president of commercial distribution and digital media sales.

“Having an embedded showcase for our Cartoon Network content… will eliminate these barriers and provide a shop window for games, video clips, wallpapers and much more in the future.”

The new pact covers the United States as well as European countries including the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Finland.

Source: RCR News