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Get a mobile and get on line with Virgin Mobile and Bush
Added: (Wed Apr 11 2001)
Virgin Mobile and Bush Internet come together to save customers 40%
on mobile phones and set top boxes
12.04.01. Virgin Mobile together with Bush Internet have launched their first affinity programme intended to put a stop to communicationphobia – [noun; a temporary inability to access communicative technology inflicted upon UK homeowners brought about by the high costs of PC’s and exacerbated by the network operators persistence in charging extortionate line rental and call charges].
Virgin Mobile and Bush Internet have put together a ‘complete communications package’ – an internet set-top box and a mobile phone for just £79.99 – which saves consumers around £50 or 40% off the two items when sold separately. Each pack contains:
Ø 1 Bush Internet Set Top Box and QWERTY keyboard worth £79.99
Ø 1 Virgin Mobile Siemens A36 phone worth £49.99
Ø 1 Virgin Mobile SIM card
Ø The Virgin Mobile Bible - an essential guide to how to make the most of your phone
Ø 1 Warranty Leaflet
Bush Internet Set Top Boxes allow customers the ability to surf the net and send email through their television set. They need do little more than plug it in. The Set Top Boxes also allow access to specific Bush Internet content that provides the latest on money matters, entertainment, shopping, travel, sport, games and lifestyle.
Many of Virgin Mobile’s ‘VirginXtras’ services and content are now related to the Internet, so this affinity programme gives customers a complete experience, using the best of mobile and web technology.
Graeme Hutchinson, Sales Director of Virgin Mobile, said: “This deal is an excellent option for those people who have up till now hesitated in joining the technology boom. Many people who are curious about the Internet but simply don’t have a computer or PC access have ruled out the opportunity altogether. Many people have also put off buying a mobile phone. Now they have no excuse – they can get over their communicationphobia easily and cheaply.
“Our relationship with Bush Internet also marks a new and exciting era for Virgin Mobile, bringing together the best of the web and mobile in a new way. We are always looking to find new ways to provide consumers with good value innovations.”
The Virgin Mobile/Bush Internet twinpacks are available through a variety of distribution channels including Virgin Megstores, Our Price and V.Shops. They are also on sale in outlets such as Sainsburys, Argos, Scottish Power, Homebase, Comet, Woolworths, and Littlewoods Index Stores.
For further information, please contact:
Steven Day, Virgin Mobile: 07931 777 777
Alison Bonny, Virgin Mobile: 07802 430 276
Emma Goold at Big-mouths PR: 0207 385 0009
Notes to editors:
Virgin Mobile is a 50:50 joint venture company between Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and Deutsche Telekom AG’s One 2 One, and is the UK’s first mobile virtual network operator.
The company is also the first and most successful global mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). Virgin Mobile Australia, a 50:50 partnership with Optus, opened for business at the end of October 2000. A similar joint-venture between Virgin and Singapore Telecom will see the launch of Virgin Mobile Asia later in 2001 and plans for Virgin Mobile USA are to be announced very shortly.
It has scored a number of firsts, including being the first UK operator to scrap peak rate calls, introduce a daily discounting tariff and was the first company in the world to introduce an integrated MP3 mobile phone.
In the UK, Virgin Mobile phones are available direct on 0845 6000 600; on the web at www.virgin.com/mobile; or on the High Street at over 3,500 outlets including Virgin Megastores, Our Price, V.SHOP and in supermarkets such as Asda and Sainsbury.
Virgin Mobile’s service, like that of One2One, covers in excess of 98% of the UK’s population and is available in 91 territories on five continents through roaming agreements with 198 operators. Current roaming destinations include all European Union member states, the United States and Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.