NBC Universal set to launch 'Universal' branded mobile portal in Japan

NBC Universal has announced the launch of its new mobile portal in Japan. The portal will go live in October 2008 to coincide with the theatrical run, in Japan, of the major blockbuster movie ‘Wanted' starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman. It is set to offer downloadable content and services to mobile customers via a number of operators, including NTT Docomo, KDDI-au and SoftBank Mobile.

NBC Universal will distribute and market its content and services under the ‘Universal Mobile' brand. The service will allow access to content from a number of NBC Universal film and TV properties.
Screen shot from the new NBC Universal Japan Mobile portal
Screen shot from the new NBC Universal Japan Mobile portal

"We are tremendously excited to be launching our ‘Universal Mobile' business here and will strive to create new and edgy content that expands the digital experience of our fans." says Taichi Fukuda, Managing Director, NBC Universal, Japan

Customers of the three operators will be able to download a variety of mobile content, including themes, tones, decoration emails, made-for mobile comics, flash and casual games. The mobile portal will also hold fan forums and communities for NBC Universal branded content. Services will be made available on a pay-per-download and subscription basis, with some services also available on an initial free promotional basis.

Japan is an advanced mobile market and a strategic priority for NBC Universal. This new mobile portal is the first of many digital ventures that NBC Universal expects to launch in Japan and across Asia

"This is the first time that a content portal will be programmed, hosted and managed entirely within the company - it's a fresh start. The Universal Mobile portal will give Japanese consumers a compelling, medium appropriate and fun way to interact with our brands on their mobile phones." Says Jeremy Laws, senior vice president, mobile & broadband, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms.

NBC Universal will be promoting the mobile service to customers with partners via its own branded Universal Mobile website: http//universal-pic.jp/. The website can be accessed only in Japan.

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About NBC Universal:
NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.