Disney to expand presence in broadband, net services in India

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Hyderabad, Feb 10: Perhaps kids cannot take their eyes off from watching Mickey Mouse and his friends, or wait anxiously for the next scene from the Legend of Tarzan. But now, these comic characters will not be restricted to kids alone. They would soon appear on mobile handsets and their voices would be heard in the form of ringtones.

Besides being a prominent player in the kids entertainment segment, the $30-billion Walt Disney Television International-India (WDTVI-I), known for its Disney brand of cartoon characters and other icons, is upbeat on new services. The company is working with internet service providers (ISPs) for offering customised broadband services in the country.

Speaking to FE, Rajat Jain, managing director, WDTVI-I, elaborated: “We are working on the business opportunities avaiable through the 40-50 million mobile phones spread over a period of time. Perhaps, we can tap this offer through the wireless media.” However, he did not divulge the timing of this offer, as the modalities are still being worked out.

“We are seriously thinking about expanding our presence in the internet and broadband space in India,” he said. This would include providing movies on mobile phones, offering ringtones, etc, he added. The company is also upbeat about its publishing business as there is a significant opportunity in children’s education sector.

Earlier, announcing Toon Disney, India’s first 24-hour Telugu language kids channel, Mr Jain said that India is the first market in the Asia-Pacific region to introduce a Toon Disney channel. As there is a tremendous business opportunity waiting to be tapped in India’s vast TV viewing population. “WDTVI-I is committed towards its viewers and has localised its channel initially in the south,” he added.

With over 1,800 episodes dubbed in Telugu for the first year, Toon Disney will significantly enhance age-appropriate viewing options for kids in their native language.

With a library of universal comic characters, the company is working on strategies for Indian stories as well and hopes to launch the Hindi Toon Disney channel by October 2005.