Mobile ESPN pulls the plug

Mobile ESPN, Launched in the Fall of 2005 on a number of US mobile carriers and then in February 2006 as an MVNO, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator – those business entities that look and feel like a mobile phone company, but really rebrand or reuse mobile network infrastructure from someone else, like Sprint Nextel, VerizonWireless or Cingular.

Now, however, they are announcing that they will close up shop. Advertised to be “the first national U.S. wireless phone service specifically targeted to sports fans” Mobile ESPN was bringing personalized sports programming from ESPN, along with ring tones, sports news, info, statistics, photos, logos and streaming video to its customers.

By the end of the year, customers will have some options about what to do and where to go to seek service. On their website, the indicate that “As of December 31, 2006, Mobile ESPN will cease its wireless service provider operations and work to deliver our content and experience through another nationwide carrier.”

Almost at the same time as ESPN is pulling the plug, another MVNO launched, Red Pocket Mobile, marketing to Chinese Americans and offering low cost international service on calls to Asia. Unique selling points? Calls to US or China, Singapore, and Taiwan are the same price and an iConnectHome service would allow people in Asia to dial a local number there and reach the subscriber here in the US, i.e. no international long distance.