Virgin Mobile receives MVNO licence for wireless services (Latin America)
The Ministry of Communications and Transportation in Mexico has reportedly approved Virgin Mobile Latin America’s (VMLA) request to offer wireless services as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the country.
According to reports, Virgin Mobile is hopeful of offering its services within one year of its wholesale agreement with a mobile network operator. Phil Wallace, Chairman, VMLA has reportedly said that by having their licence in hand they expect discussions with the operators to proceed along at a quicker pace.
As per sources, in June, Virgin Mobile had announced plans to launch MVNO services in Latin America, following which it signed an agreement with Movistar in Chile where it expects to launch its services by early 2012.
Virgin Mobile to launch MVNO services in Chile in 2012 (Latin America)
Virgin Mobile, an innovative wireless service provider, plans to launch mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) services in Chile in Latin America by early 2012. As per reports, the company will use Movistar’s (Telefonica) network and has signed an agreement for the same. The company, which begins its MVNO services in Chile, plans to expand its services in Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Colombia and Mexico. The company aims to target the youth consumers by positioning itself as a fresh alternative to existing wireless providers.
As per sources, Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin, has said that they are very excited about what they have achieved in their first commercial operation in Chile. He added that this is a very interesting project for Virgin and they believe that all Virgin Mobile Chile clients will be very satisfied with the services they will offer with this launch. Further, Claudio Muñoz, Executive President, Movistar has said they are convinced that this agreement will make the telecommunications market grow in Chile. The fact that Virgin Mobile will start operating as a new mobile operator shows that this type of business is likely between companies.
Virgin Mobile starts Nexus S sale (France)
MVNO Virgin Mobile France is set to start the sales of Google Nexus S smartphone, made by Samsung, for US$69.04 until April 12. This offer will be available for customers who sign up for a 4-hour E-Divine, 4-hour Divine Collector or Liberty Plus plan.
This promotional price comes after a US$70.45 rebate on the handset’s new list price of US$139.49. Virgin Mobile France started selling the Nexus at US$209.94 one month ago, and for US$139.49 after a US$70.45 rebate. The Nexus S runs the latest version of Android, Gingerbread, and is one of the first phones on the market with an NFC chip.
Prixtel to launch ADSL services at end-March (France)
French MNVO Prixtel’s chairman and founder David Charles has announced that the company will be launching an ADSL service at the end of the month. With this move, it will become the first French MVNO to launch such service, although bigger rivals, such as Virgin Mobile France have announced plans.
Prixtel, which had 100,000 mobile customers in the middle of 2010 and uses the SFR network, is expected to work with the same operator for its triple-play and quad-play services. It reportedly added 12,000 of the 52,300 new MVNO customers in the third quarter of 2010. In addition to converting its mobile users to fixed-line, the operator aims to increase its overall customer base to 250,000 by the end of the year.
Pricing and other information on the ADSL service is due to be released on 30th March.
Canada to have 28 million subscribers by 2012
A new research report has revealed that Canada will have 28 million mobile subscribers in 2012 with Bell Mobility’s market share decreasing over the next two years. Given the latest quarter numbers, their model forecasts that Telus Mobility will be replacing Bell Mobility (excluding Virgin Mobile) as the second largest mobile operator in Canada after Rogers Wireless in 2012.
Researchers also forecast that market shares of Telus Mobility and Bell Mobility will be 27.3% and 27% respectively by the end of 2012. They expect the entry of new mobile operators such as Videotron and Wind Mobile to take greater market share away from Bell relative to Telus, given Bell’s stronger presence in Central Canada and the new entrants’ focus in that part of the country.
As per the researchers, the wireless penetration rate in Canada is still relatively low compared to other developed countrie and they expect that the Canadian wireless market will continue to grow. According to the forecasting model, the number of mobile subscriber connections in Canada will increase from 25.3 million in 2010 to approximately 28 million by the end of 2012. The competitive dynamics in the Canadian mobile operator space are changing rapidly as new entrants increase their market shares. They forecast that the subscriber market share of the largest operator, Rogers Wireless, will be about 35.6% in the end of 2012.
Finally, the report predicts that Rogers Wireless will be enjoying the highest level of profitability in the Canadian wireless market during the forecast period. Their model is predicting that Rogers Wireless’s EBITDA margins will remain above 50% over the next eight quarters.
Cell C sells 50% Stake in Virgin Mobile (South Africa)
Virgin Mobile, South Africa based MVNO, has announced that its mobile network partner, Cell C is selling its 50% stake in the company, although it will continue to provide the underlying network services for the virtual operator.
An investment company, Calico Investments of The Bahamas, is acquiring 45% of the company, while UK based Virgin Group is buying the remaining 5% to take its holding to 55%. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Calico is planning to develop a strategic relationship with Virgin Mobile and together with Virgin, will invest additional growth capital into Virgin Mobile.
According to Steve Bailey, CEO, Virgin Mobile, Virgin Mobile has shown consistent high subscriber growth and has significantly increased its base of higher ARPU post pay subscribers in South Africa over the last two years. It is time for them to capitalize on this growth and bring in an additional shareholder to invest in Virgin Mobile’s further expansion, which will enable us to deliver more exciting products and services to their valued customers. They also look forward to leveraging their updated network agreement with Cell C to provide improved performance to our customers.
Virgin Mobile launches LG Optimus V (USA)
Virgin Mobile has launched the feature-rich LG Optimus V mobile phone which perfectly blends together interesting features and mesmerizing attributes.
Individuals can watch their most liked movies and videos on the vibrant 3.2-inch touchscreen display. Social buffs can enhance their mobile experience with various social apps like YouTube and Google Talk. The LG Optimus V also shows off social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange e-mail, advanced messaging capabilities and Swype technology.
According to Bob Stohrer, Vice President-Marketing, Virgin Mobile USA, more than 44% of smartphones purchased in the third quarter of 2010 was Android based with the iPhone coming in second. With LG Optimus V on Android, Virgin Mobile customers who crave constant connectivity get a highly functional device with a high-resolution 3.2 touch screen paired with an affordable monthly plan and no annual contract.
According to Tim O’Brien, Vice President of LG marketing, users get the best of both worlds with LG Optimus V. Bringing an easy-to-use blend of applications and sleek design, LG Optimus V delivers the features users want with the efficient performance capabilities they deserve.
Mobile buffs can benefit from the Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans which start at $25 per month for 300 minutes of voice and offer unlimited messaging, IM, email, social networking and web access. The $40 plan puts forth 1,200 minutes of voice whereas the $60 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month.
The 3G and Wi-Fi capable device comes along with a 3.2MP camera, thereby enabling photo enthusiasts to capture crisp images. The phone is packed in Virgin Mobile’s new handset packaging that touts to be more eco-friendly. Owners can entertain themselves while on-the-go with interesting apps from the Android Market.
The LG Optimus V can be purchased from Radio Shack and the official website for $149.99. It is expected to be available via other retailers throughout this month.
Virgin Mobile drpos mobile TV plans in France
Virgin Mobile will reportedly not launch mobile TV services as planned in France in the autumn, but instead will bring a quad-play package to market in September.
According to reports, the company, which already operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in France is planning to launch Virgin Box, which will offer fixed-line, Internet and TV services. The launch will take place on “la rentr©e”, the day the French return to work after the summer holidays.
As yet the company has not released details of whose ADSL network it will use to carry the services, nor has it provided more information on the box itself.
Meanwhile, Virgin Mobile has admitted that its plans to roll out DBV-H mobile TV services at a similar time this year will now not go ahead due to an increase in taxes.
According to reports, amongst other reasons, the service has been mothballed due to an increase in VAT on television services; Virgin Mobile stated that it had built its business plan for the service based on the lower rate. The MVNO also pointed to the lack of agreed standards for mobile TV.
As a result, the French press is expressing concerns over the viability of mobile TV in France altogether, pointing out that much now rests on the capabilities of 3G mobile networks to carry TV content and the ability of operators to shoulder the costs.
Adorable Mobile Phone deals for the UK customers on Christmas
The prospect for the mobile phone users in UK are getting almost tempting with the arrival of the Christmas. All the leading mobile phone companies are offering some stupendous deals on the Latest Mobile Phones which are currently on the radar of the mobile phone consumers.
The young mobile phone users are willing to fish out any amount of money who can afford for these devices while the average young mobile phone users are waiting for their turn to fetch the Mobile Phone Deals on these amazing devices that are coming on affordable deals into the market on the eve of Christmas to satiate average mobile users appetite of having a smart phone.
The leading mobile phone networks in UK like Vodafone, Virgin Mobile, Verizon, T Mobile, Three Mobile, O2 and Orange are offering some great and affordable deals on the smart phones to the mobile phone customers in UK. The mobile phone consumers can avail the deals like contract deal, Simfree deal, PAYG (Pay As You Go) deal, Pay Monthly Deal and other suitable deals to the UK consumers on the eve of Christmas. These mobile phone deals comes with great offers from the networks like LCD TV’s, Laptop, Game Console, GPS navigator, Music System and other items of the same quality and weight as gift offers on the these handsets on the eve of Christmas to provide the users another reason to smile and celebrate.
The stiff competition among the mobile phone networks and for that matter mobile phone manufacturer too has locked horns to win more user base in UK. The gifts and affordable deals are a lucrative prospect for the users on which mobile phone companies want to lure them to buy their brand of devices. The Christmas has brought a great time for the users to gain from the offers and Christmas Phone Deals and fulfill their dreams of having a smart phone.
The UK Online Phone Shop are offering these mobile phone users additional benefits with the gifts and benefits offered by the networks, if someone buys the deal through them.
Virgin Mobile plans to expand across Arab world
Virgin Mobile is planning to expand its services across the Arab world, with the UAE being targeted for new services.
According to Richard Branson, he was hopeful of rolling out the service first launched in Qatar earlier in May with Qatar Telecom (Qtel). The company is looking at other places including the UAE. The take up has been very good, and it’s been a good way to get their brand across to more people, so they’re trying to see how they can do it in more places across the region.
Virgin Mobile Qatar is the eighth Virgin Mobile branded operation in the world, following on from launches in the UK, Australia, USA, Canada, France, South Africa, and India. Virgin Mobile Qatar is wholly owned by Qtel.
As per Branson, it’s something that the company has always tried to do, a simple structure that costs less and everyone understands how to use. This part of the world has been very good for their brand, with radio, the shops and telecoms, so they are looking at many other things the company could do.
