Mickey Mouse is going mobile. Disney is preparing to launch a cell phone service geared towards families on top of Sprint's nationwide network. The service, which is expected to lose money in the short term, will launch next year featuring voice calling and entertainment features.

Disney is not the first company to approach Sprint about renting its network airtime. ESPN will soon debut a service aimed at sports fans. Such niche services are becoming the latest way for new wireless operators to break into the market comprising over 60 percent of U.S. residents. By targeting specific groups, companies hope to grab every last possible customer.