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Disney unveils wireless content deals in US
LOS ANGELES (US): Walt Disney Co., DISH Network, wireless carriers AT&T Wireless Services and Sprint PCS Group have unveiled deals designed to generate revenue for Disney and attract subscribers to new cellular services.
Walt Disney Internet Group and AT&T Wireless say they have launched three subscription programmes on AT&T’s mMode service, which is designed for phones with colour screens running on next-generation voice and data networks, says a Reuters report.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom will offer colour graphics and games, Disney’s Fun for Families parenting tips and entertainment services from Disney TV shows, and City Lounge will offer movie reviews and showtimes, among other features.
Disney’s ESPN sports network will also offer its own mMode product, “myESPN,” on AT&T Wireless. The $2.99 per month service will offer live player statistics, team news, injury reports and scoring data for athletic events.
In addition, Disney and Sprint say Disney’s content is now available on Sprint’s new PCS Vision service, its own high-speed advanced data network.
Disney said Sprint customers can download ring tones and screen savers, among others, for $1 to $2 each and games for $3 to $4 per game.
Among the ring tones to be offered on both services, are sounds including the theme from ESPN’s flagship SportsCenter. The games include one based on characters from Disney’s recent animated film Lilo and Stitch. Wireless content like ring tones and games has been hugely popular in more mature cellular markets like Japan and Europe, though carriers are hopeful similar offerings catch on in the US, where cell phones have traditionally been used more for utility than entertainment. Disney says it has taken in more than 2.5 million paid subscriptions to date for its overseas paid wireless services, which are now available throughout Asia and Europe.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
