News 2000
Virgin Mobile Welcomes Health Report
11/05/2000
Virgin Mobile today welcomed the Stewart report into mobile phones and health which clarifies a previously confused issue. The report, published today, has found that "The balance of evidence to date does not suggest that emissions from mobile phones and base stations put the health of the UK population at risk."
Commenting on the report, Virgin Mobile spokesman Steven Day said: "The health and safety of our customers is of prime importance to Virgin Mobile and we have always taken the issue of mobile phones and health very seriously. From the day we launched, we have provided all our customers with a free hands-free kit, something no other UK operator has done. Sir William says in the report: "For users wishing to reduce their exposure, we advocate the use of hands-free kits of proven effectiveness."
"Virgin Mobile supports the report's recommendation for independent testing of hands-free kits to be carried out, and the introduction of a kite mark to demonstrate conformity with the testing standard.
"We also use mobile phones and a network that already matches all the toughest global, not just UK, safety standards, in keeping with Sir William's recommendations.
"Sir William Stewart has confirmed that, "There is no evidence that mobile phones adversely affect children's health." However, mindful of the precautionary approach recommended by Sir William, and, as the operator with the strongest youth brand, we are committed to working with government, teachers, parents and the general public, to ensure customers are fully informed of all the facts regarding mobiles and their use."
For more information please call:
Steven Day - 07931 777 777
Alison Bonny - 0802 430 276
Ed Vaizey - 07771 640 105
Ilan Jacobs - 07958 795 571
Notes to editors:
The full text of the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones entitled Mobile Phones and Health, can be viewed on their web site at www.iegmp.org.uk.
Virgin Mobile was launched in November 1999 and is the UK's first virtual operator.
With Virgin Mobile there's no line rental, no monthly fees, no ongoing charges, no vouchers that expire and no high call charges. Once customers are connected, they pay only for the calls they make.
Virgin Mobile is a 50:50 joint venture between Virgin and One2One.
