Disney in Deal for Wireless Services

Walt Disney Co.’s Internet and wireless group said it had signed a deal to develop news and entertainment for a wireless software platform being rolled out by the nation’s largest wireless telephone network.

Under the deal, Walt Disney Interactive Group will create ESPN-branded sports services for a new applications platform being developed by Qualcomm Inc. for use in wireless telephones. The platform is being incorporated into the Verizon Wireless national network, which is jointly owned by Verizon Communications and Britain’s Vodafone Group.

Disney Interactive supplies free information from ESPN.com and ABCNews.com to Verizon Wireless users, spokeswoman Kim Kerscher said. But the development of new platform applications would allow Disney Interactive to offer fee-based applications, provided the company reaches an agreement with Verizon Wireless, she said.

Disney shares rose 14 cents to $25.56 on the NYSE.