News 2001
Virgin Mobile pulls in quarter of a million in Christmas sales period
08/01/2001
- 262,043 net connections in Q4 (128,393 in Q3)
- A total of 674,943 net customers (412,900 in Q3)
- Rate of growth increases by 63% against Q3
- Virgin Mobile accounts for a fifth of additions to One2One network
Virgin Mobile, the world's largest virtual network operator, has exceeded its sales targets for the fourth quarter running, by attracting over a quarter of a million customers in the last three months of 2000, increasing its customer base by a market-beating 63%.
Virgin Mobile's growth accounted for a fifth of all new additions to the One 2 One network during the fourth quarter, and gives Virgin Mobile a total of 674,943 customers. Since its launch just over a year ago, Virgin Mobile has established itself as the fastest growing mobile start-up ever seen in the UK.
Virgin Mobile's recent expansion; from selling in 300 Virgin stores to more than 3000 outlets, including the UK's major supermarkets, has helped provide strong growth in Q4.
Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Mobile, comments: "This is a fantastic end to 2000 and to our first year of trading. We've become the world leader among virtual network operators and the compelling offer we introduced into the market has helped us surpass all targets and expectations.
"We look forward to many more exciting developments for Virgin Mobile in 2001. Our expansion into more high street retail outlets will continue, as will Virgin Mobile's expansion across the world.
"Our combination of cheap calls, no line rental and excellent service is consistently proving a winner with consumers."
For further information, please call:
Steven Day, Virgin Mobile: 07931 777 777
Debra Burtt or Julia Clark, Consolidated Communications: 020 7287 2087
Note 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 network operator.
Virgin Mobile launched in the UK on November 11th 1999.
Virgin Mobile handsets are now available on the High Street at Virgin Megastores, Our Price, V.SHOP, J Sainsbury, WH Smith, Somerfield, Kwik Save, John Lewis, Co-op, Asda and Iceland or direct from Virgin Mobile's website: www.virgin.com/mobile or its customer centre on: 0845 6000 600.
VirginXtras is Virgin Mobile's unique range of mobile leisure, information and entertainment services. With VirginXtras customers can save 10% off selected Virgin Holidays; 15% off music, videos, DVDs and computer games; and up to 50% off electrical goods such as TVs, stereos, fridges and microwaves compared to typical high street prices.
