News 1999
Xpand your Mind with Virgin Xtras
11/11/1999
Virgin Mobile, not content with setting a new standard for value, has added a range of extra services and facilities that will set the agenda for mobile phones.
Unlike most others, Virgin Mobile allows customers to pick up their Voicemail messages free of charge. And then there's the usual stuff like text messaging and international roaming. But Virgin Xtras let customers do a lot more than just talk and you could save hundreds of pounds in the process. Here's Virgin's V.point plan for xpanded mobile consciousness.
- Retail therapy - shop on the hop for a little life enhancement
Book Virgin - Bag a 10 per cent discount on any Virgin Sun or Virgin Holiday when bought via mobile. A family holiday to America costing £2,000 would net a saving of £200 - the price of a year's calls or a top quality handset. Dial into fast track booking for flights, rail tickets and holidays. Choose from the latest long-haul deals with Virgin Atlantic, make nationwide rail enquiries and book seats on Virgin Trains or any other train operator. (10p a minute*)
Music - Britain's first mobile jukebox, introduced by DJ Steve Lamacq, gives a 30-second taste of any track from a menu of ten choice albums - updated weekly. Skip forwards and backwards through tracks. Callers can order whatever appeals, plus there's a 10% discount on purchases over £20. (10p a minute)
Virgin Offers - Offers will automatically pop up on handset screens (another first) to give exclusive deals from the Virgin Group and other companies. First come, first served - but mobile customers will hear about Virgin offers ahead of the crowd. (10p per call)
- Life is a journey - but be prepared for hold ups
Traffic - Now inhuman traffic needn't jam the gears. Up-to-the-minute reports from the RAC's TrafficMaster detail the snarl-ups, smashes and street hassles to avoid en route, so customers can relax, not rage, on the road. RAC advisors can help plan a journey, provide public transport information, advise on overseas travel and even find out where to park. (35p a minute)
Red from the RAC - Should drivers grind to an unexpected halt, RAC's Red offers the first ever 'pay as you go' roadside breakdown service. Virgin Mobile users don't need to be a member of the club. There's a one-off lifetime payment of £15 for this optional service, then a flat rate call out fee of £49.
This compares favourably to annual membership costs of breakdown services or getting stung with a £100-plus bill to get towed off the motorway.
- The pleasure principle - Virgin Mobile has the most entertaining options
Going Out - Grand designs for a great time out? For the socially mobile, Virgin's experts can find out what's happening on both the cultural and social horizon. Movies, concerts, theatre, exhibitions , nightlife, food - whatever the passion the Virgin Team will come up with tips and recommendations - fast. (40p a minute*)
Staying In - Planning to slob on the sofa? For the more cerebral, self-contained or just plain slothful, Staying In offers pointers for a little home improvement. Good books, cool videos, edifying radio or transporting television - we've got them all covered. (40p per minute*)
Virgin Net 'Release Radio' - Forgotten the Walkman or just fancy a quick hit of some tuneful frequencies? Callers can fill in idle moments sampling 20 of the week's hottest singles releases on Britain's only Internet radio station broadcast direct to mobile phones. (10p per minute*)
- Just connect - and get the message
Mobile e-mail - Picking up and sending e-mail from Virgin handsets keeps people in touch on another level while they're on the move. Customers can tailor the service, going on-line to specify from whom, when and on what subject they wish to receive messages.
Unlike other mobile networks, Virgin Mobile allows access to existing POP3 personal e-mail accounts with no requirement for a second on-line address for mobile e-mails. No need for split personalities. And if you haven't got an e-mail address already you get one with your phone.
Being able to forward e-mails to your mobile means you'll also be able to receive news, sports results, share prices or whatever information you like. Just subscribe to an information service with your e-mail address and the news, or whatever, will be forwarded straight to your mobile. (Optional service - £10 annual fee, 10p per message)
- Get support - because everyone needs help sometimes
Help - The friendly and informed Virgin Mobile team provides support and guidance 24 x 7 on every aspect of the Virgin Mobile service and its phones.
Shop - Conserve energy flow. Customers can give the High Street a miss and order all the bits and bobs they need for their mobile phone direct from the Virgin Mobile team. (10p per minute*)
Top-up - Dialling Virgin's interactive computer system allows callers to buy additional airtime when they need it, by voucher, by keying in a 6 digit PIN or by making a card payment with one of the Virgin Team. They can also check the last credit or debit on their account.
Additional options include superb value standard and comprehensive handset insurance at £10 and £20 per year; extended 30 message/three week voicemail capacity for a £5 set-up fee; and itemised statements for a £15 one-off fee - which we ask of direct debit customers.
"We're ideally positioned to bring a bit of mass market flair and innovation to the mobile phone industry. Just imagine being able to download tracks through your phone directly onto your MP3 player with the cost billed directly to your telephone. The future's bright, the future's Virgin Mobile," said Tom Alexander, managing director of Virgin Mobile.
* Billed per second, including VAT
