(Source: Press Release from Yahoo! Finance)
Bell Mobility customers go “Inside the Ring(TM)” with World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) (WWE(TM))
TORONTO, Nov. 5 /CNW/ – Bell Mobility and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) today announced that it will bring wrestling fans an exclusive package including Superstar ringtones, screensavers and the downloadable WWE Mobile Madness(TM) Hardcore game, all on the new “Inside the Ring” Audiovox CDM 8455 mobile phone.
“The WWE is a leading sports and entertainment brand, and this exclusive partnership gives Canadians wireless access to services and information that no other wireless carrier can offer,” says Michael A. Neuman, President, Bell Mobility. “Our customers want to do more with their wireless device – they want to communicate, get information and be entertained. The “In the Ring” phone and services will provide WWE fans with a true no-holds-barred communications experience.”
“We are thrilled to lead this initiative with Bell Mobility using WWE content to drive phone acquisitions, and to provide our fans with another way to access WWE content. This deal represents a truly integrated marketing relationship, and has WWE’s full support. This initiative will be supported through advertising on WWE programming, WWE live event sponsorship, promotional and licensing components which are all aimed at supporting the launch of the first WWE branded cell phone in Canada,” said Carl DeMarco, President, World Wrestling Entertainment Canada, Inc. “This agreement will also provide our fans with unparalleled WWE content, including WWE Superstar ring tones, WWE images, and updates on WWE live events and pay-per-views.”
In Canada, 54 per cent of youth under the age of 24 currently use a mobile phone, and 15 per cent plan to purchase a mobile phone in the next six months(x). According to WWE, 33 per cent of Canadian males 18-34 consider themselves to be WWE fans. This phone offers these fans the “Inside the Ring” Mobile Browser wireless Internet features, which includes WWE RAW(TM) or WWE SMACKDOWN!(TM) news headlines every day of the week, as well as seven days of WWE news archives, a WWE trivia game, a rotating featured superstar of the month with bios and stats, one free ring tone and screen saver download per month and front of the line ticket access for WWE events.
Marketed under Bell Canada’s “Solo” Youth brand, the 1X Ready Tri-Mode Digital “Inside the Ring” branded mobile phone also features built in ringtones and screensavers of WWE Superstars Stone Cold Steve Austin(TM), Rey Mysterio(TM) and Trish Stratus(TM). In addition, users can download the WWE Mobile Madness Hardcore game for free. Additional features include a 9-line colour STN display, polyphonic ringtones, voice activated dialing, voice memo, built-in two-way speakerphone, internet and text messaging and vibe alert. Just in time for the holiday giving season; the phone comes in a WWE-embossed genuine leather case.
Customers who pre-order the phone online between October 16 and November 21, 2003 will receive a free WWE t-shirt. Customers who pre-order a phone and pre-register to receive an alert email when phones are available in-store, will automatically be entered into a draw to receive their phone for free. Finally, all WWE phone activations before December 31, 2003 will automatically be entered to win the ultimate WrestleMania(R) XX prize package including two tickets, flight, accommodation and spending money for the event in New York City in March 2004 (approximate value $2,000.00).
Pricing and Availability
Starting November 17, 2003, customers can purchase the WWE handset at any Bell World or Bell Mobility location for $199.00, or on a two year rebate price of $74.00. The Prepaid Activation Package costs $269.00. Customers can also sign up for Inside the Ring SMS alerts in order to receive WWE news headlines, WWE match spoilers and teasers, front of the line access for WWE Superstar appearances and front of the line ticket access.
