Disney to launch cellphone service in Japan

Walt Disney Co. is planning on launching a new cellphone service in Japan on March 1, according to a report in Los Angeles business. Disney’s Japan unit said it will become a mobile virtual network operator using Softbank Corp.’s pricing plans and sales channels, according to Dow Jones reports. The partnership was initially reported on in November. Burbank-based Disney discontinued two similar services in the U.S. in recent years, with Disney Mobile announcing in September that it was stopping service at the end of 2007 and Mobile ESPN shutting down in September 2006.