News 2000
Virgin Mobile: Fastest growing virtual mobile operator in world hits third of a million customers
18/03/2000
- 325,923 customer sales in just over seven months*
- 310,432 gross connections (284,507 net base) since launch on 11/11/1999
- 85,217 new customer sales (70,794 net) join Virgin Mobile in Q2
Virgin Mobile brand set to continue international expansion to become first global consumer virtual network operator
Virgin Mobile is now established as the most successful virtual mobile network operator in the world. Since its launch in November 1999 it has attracted a third of a million customers, making it one of the fastest growing mobile phone companies ever.
In the second quarter of this year it achieved sales of 85,217 - around half of which were first-time mobile phone buyers - and net connections of 70,794.
The company continues to grow ahead of expectations, and is now set to broaden its distribution channels in the second half of 2000. Virgin Mobile will also soon be launching a WAP portal to compliment its virtual electrical superstore and other m-shops, and discounted travel and music services, Virgin Xtras.
Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Mobile, said: 'We're delighted with progress: our combination of cheap calls day and night, no monthly line rental and great service is proving to be a winner with British consumers. Virgin Mobile has changed the face of the mobile industry in the UK with rivals copying many of our innovations. Over the past few months we have firmly established our UK foundations and are now focussing on increasing growth and widening our distribution during the second half of this year.
'We also aim to replicate the success of the Virgin Mobile brand overseas. We have already announced ventures in Australia and South East Asia, and are in negotiations to take Virgin Mobile into Japan, Europe and the United States. Virgin Mobile will be the world's first truly global virtual network operator.'
A Virgin Mobile customer sale is counted when a consumer buys a Service Pack SIM card for connection to the Virgin Mobile service. The difference between that, and gross and net connection figures is accounted for by: (a) customers yet to place a first call across the network, and; (b) customer returns and disconnects.
For further information please contact:
Steven Day, Virgin Mobile: 07931 777777 or 020 7484 4322
Alison Bonny, Virgin Mobile: 020 7484 4323
Debra Burtt, Consolidated Communications: 020 7208 2714
Notes to editors:
- Virgin Mobile is a 50:50 joint-venture company between Virgin and Deutsche Telekom's One 2 One, and is the UK's first mobile virtual operator.
- Virgin Mobile (Australia) is a Virgin partnership with Cable & Wireless Optus; Virgin Mobile (Asia) a joint venture with Singapore Telecom.
- Virgin Xtras gives Virgin Mobile customers travel discounts worth 10% on most vacations with Virgin Sun and Virgin Holidays, 15% off CDs, videos and computer games (min order £20), and savings of up to 50% against High Street prices on TVs, stereos, other electricals and white goods, such as washing machines and fridges.
