Disney Breaking into Mobile Telephony

Many companies are using cell phone technology to make a buck. Disney is now no different. They will soon offer phone services that will restrict usage by kids to prevent children from running up high usage costs, and parents will also be able to track kids’ whereabouts by using the phone’s GPS technology.

From the New York Times here:

With the help of Walt Disney, parents can make sure it’s still a small world for their children, at least when it comes to their cell phone use.

On Wednesday, the company is expected to introduce a wireless phone service that will allow parents to set limits on their children’s cell phone use as well as track them on a map using Global Positioning System technology.

Disney, like many media companies, is hoping to take advantage of the proliferation of cell phones by offering services of its own, like ring tones and wallpaper.

As part of the mobile service, parents can set up a monthly allowance of minutes, text messages or other services for each child to use. Once a monthly allowance is reached, both the parent and the child receive an alert on their Disney Mobile phones. The parent then can decide either to increase the allowance or restrict the phone’s use.

Parents can also use an online tool to designate when phones can be used (no more interruptions at dinnertime) and what numbers can be dialed. Certain numbers, like the home number or 911, can be programmed to always be readily available in an emergency.

Perhaps the most novel feature is that parents can determine the location of a child’s phone, either from their own cell phones or by entering a code online that will show a map. In that way they will know whether their son or daughter is really at swim practice or hanging out at the mall instead.

Its refreshing to see a company that is more concerned with helping parents than making money.