ESPN closing down their own mobile service operations

ESPN has confirmed that they are closing down their mobile service operations less than a year after the launch.

The company however plans to continue offering mobile content and is looking for potential partners in the market.

They would also continue to provide wireless service and content for its subscribers until the end of the year. After that, they would refund the purchase price for handsets and would assist customers with transferring their phone numbers to other carriers.

This development would result in most people working in the division losing their jobs, as ESPN would move to a content licensing business.

Salil Mehta, executive vice-president for ESPN Enterprises spoke on this announcement: “There’s certainly some disappointment. I think the focus of the ESPN organization is that we took a risk, but in doing so we have the benefit of having created the industry’s leading wireless application, and we’re going to figure out a way to bring that to fans and make the most amount of money.”

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