Mobile ESPN launched in India

Company News

NEW DELHI, November 1

ESPN STAR Sports, Asia’s number one sports broadcaster, today announced the launch of its specialised feature service “Mobile ESPN”, marking its entry into the mobile value added services (VAS) domain in India. Apart from cricket information, the application will have latest updates from the International soccer matches, Sportscenter news, exclusive interviews and sports schedule of all sports events. Mobile ESPN will be a 360 degree sports service, covering every possible game in all possible formats- voice, video, text & sms providing all conceivable information. It will be streamed in multiple languages for sports lovers across the country available on major telecom networks (Hutch, Airtel ,Idea, BSNL etc) from November 15, 2006.

Launching the service, Mr. R C Venkateish, Managing Director, ESPN Software (India) Pvt Ltd., said, “Mobile ESPN will offer fans unique sports content on their cell phones, delivering not only wireless voice service, but also applications such as easy access to sports news, information, commentary, analysis and sports statistics. Globally, Mobile ESPN has defined a new wireless category. Accordingly, we are positioning this service around the promise that life will never get in the way of sports again. With this service, sports enthusiasts in India will now have ESPN on their fingertips.”

Easy to access, Mobile ESPN services can be availed by dialling 505-ESPN (3776) on the phone or by sending an SMS to (ESPN) 3776, which will be the ESPN short code nationally. On entering the voice portal, the consumers can select from a module comprising sections such as Welcome and user navigation; Cricket; Football; Sports center; and New Super Selector. A user friendly feature of Mobile ESPN is that while first time callers will listen to a longer introduction with detailed navigation instructions, repeat callers’ introduction will be brief followed by navigation options.

Mobile ESPN will be launched in variety of consumer friendly packages whereby they can choose to access at their convenience or set alerts in voice, text or streaming modes. Prices range from Rs 50 to Rs 100 for a month’s access for any of the specific services. Customer can also avail services on Pay per Use basis based on regular telecom tariffs for such services.

For e.g. for Football, the caller can access information from English Premier League; the Spanish La Liga; the Italian Serie A; the Champions League; or any other international match. The Sportscenter section offers latest news, exclusive interviews and daily sports schedules on the channels.

The Super Selector section will feature Super Selector Express which is a one day version of ESPN’s popular super selector format.

“Our goal is to extend our leadership and expertise in the television and web environment to a new wireless mobile environment that is becoming increasingly important to sports fans across the country. Mobile ESPN will enhance our mandate to serve fans anytime, anywhere," added Venkateish.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sricharan Iyengar, Head – New Media Business, said, “The unique feature about Mobile ESPN is the fact that you access info about any match irrespective of the channel it will be broadcast on. This service has never been offered before in the country. Mobile ESPN will give you reviews and analysis from our expert panel of “A Few Good Men” including Harsha Bhogle and Wasim Akram every time a user dials 505-ESPN(3776) to get updates on any ongoing cricket match. Apart from updates; pre and post match comments; and scores, users will also be able to download video clips on their handsets in the near future.”

“Mobile ESPN is possibly your best friend during the busy holiday season. Whether you’re at the dinner table, the office holiday party, or out doing some last minute shopping, Mobile ESPN is the perfect way to stay in touch with your favorite sporting action, “added Iyengar.

For further information, contact ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd

Bhaskar Majumdar, Manager - Corporate Communications, 9811194244 Email: bhaskarm@espnstar.co.in