• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, October 10, 2008

Indicating its intent to build up its mobile offerings, News Corp. has acquired the 49% interest in a mobile entertainment unit it didn't own for $200 million. The unit, Jamba, has operated as part of Fox Mobile Entertainment.

Also known as Jamster, the unit has provided "mobisodes," or shorts, related to Fox series such as "24," "Prison Break" and "Bones" for mobile phones. It also provides games (some 1,600) and ringtones from labels such as Universal Music Group and Sony BMG to wireless subscribers.

VeriSign acquired Jamba in 2004 and sold a 51% interest to News Corp. last year; Jamba continued as a joint venture.

"This sale is an important step in our effort to focus on our core businesses in Internet infrastructure," said Jim Bidzos, the interim CEO of VeriSign. "News Corp. has been a good business partner, and we wish them well as they continue to operate an exciting mobile entertainment business."