Comverse Technology will supply the hardware and software platform powering ESPN Mobile’s data services. ESPN Mobile plans to use the platform as a launch pad to deliver a wide range of multimedia content: from audio and video featuring sports news and analysis to photos, logos, ringtones and other statistics and graphics.

ESPN Mobile is scheduled for launch in 2005, making it the first MVNO in the U.S. centered around a specific entertainment property. Last week the Disney Corp, ESPN’s owner, announced its second MVNO, Disney Mobile, which will leverage its vast stores of family entertainment into another affinity service.

ESPN Mobile, however, will run independently of the other Disney franchises, using its reams of TV, print, radio and Web content to build a sports-driven voice and data service. In a recent interview, ESPN Mobile senior VP Manish Jha said the company is now in its systems integration process, selecting and integrating its application and back office vendors. While Sprint will supply the radio access network, Convergys will supply billing services, and Convergys’ partner Visage Mobile will provide back office solutions.