News 2002
Virgin Mobile powers up with the special edition Superbike mobile phone
18/06/2002
Virgin Mobile, the UK’s fifth network, is putting its weight behind Team Virgin Mobile Aiwa in the 2002 British Superbike Championships as it introduces its exclusive special-edition Virgin Mobile Superbike phone.
British Superbike fans can snap up a boxed set containing a Nokia 3310 with a Team Virgin Mobile Aiwa-branded cover showing the team’s famous logo and image of the bike in action, along with an original Nokia 3310 cover, for just £109.99. As for all Virgin Mobile customers, owners of the Virgin Mobile Superbike phone are given access to one of the most comprehensive Superbike news and results services available on any network, anywhere in the world through VirginXtras – and it’s free! The moment the chequered flag waves your phone will let you know the results!
Virgin Mobile customers can ensure their Superbike knowledge triumphs over their competitors’ by registering for free SMS alerts covering the riders’ progress with updates of race-day results, headlining stories and championship tables. Customers simply need to log on to Virgin Mobile’s web site at www.virgin.com/mobile and register for the VirginXtras Superbike services.
The special edition Virgin Mobile Superbike phone is on sale at each British Superbike meeting from the Virgin Mobile trailer and is available from both Virgin Mobile’s
website (www.virgin.com/mobile) and Team Virgin Mobile Aiwa’s website (www.virginmobileracing.com), in selected UK high street stores, and will appear in national competitions and promotions.
The Yamaha-powered team, managed by Rob McElnea and with riders Simon Crafar and Steve Plater, is the most successful British Superbikes team of all time, and has enjoyed Virgin Mobile’s support for the past three years. The agreement with the team is wide-ranging and includes title sponsorship of the team, branding on the bikes and riders and in the pit garage. Virgin Mobile has also launched a variety of hospitality, promotional and marketing initiatives including competitions to win the legendary R1 Superbike and limited edition Team scooters.
Speaking at the launch of the Virgin Mobile Superbike phone at Brands Hatch, Virgin Mobile’s Sir Richard Branson said: “The British Superbike series is one of the fastest and most exciting spectator sports there is, regularly commanding crowds of over 100,000 extremely loyal and dedicated fans. I am very happy we’re involved with the sponsorship of Team Virgin Mobile Aiwa. The essential mix of the fast-moving technology and exhilaration of Superbike racing is just the perfect match for Virgin Mobile. I hope to see the team as regulars on the rostrum throughout the rest of the season, and I wish Steve and Simon every success.”
Rob McElnea, Team Virgin Mobile Aiwa’s manager, said: “Virgin Mobile’s continued support has meant the team has been growing from strength to strength. We’ve had a great few years of being associated with Virgin Mobile and with their help, we’ve been able to put on a great performance for racing fans. We’re confident that the 2002 season will be our most successful season with them yet.”
British Superbikes is only one of the many sports covered by VirginXtras. Customers can also browse a comprehensive range of sports news and results in sports including F1, football, rugby, cricket and golf.
VirginXtras uses a mix of voice, IVR, SMS and WAP to deliver services in the most relevant way to consumers. There is no need to register, but the service can be tailor-made to each individual – as well as localised to their area – when customers spend a few minutes explaining their likes and preferences on Virgin Mobile’s web site. Calls made to recommended merchants through VirginXtras and Your VirginXtras are charged at 20p a minute. WAP access is charged at the Virgin Mobile standard call tariff.
Virgin Mobile is a serious player in its support of sport and it also sponsors the Jordan F1 team and Bath Rugby Club.
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