Virgin Mobile now in India


The British communication group Virgin Mobile launched its Indian operation in India in collaboration with telecom operator Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTL), heralding a new era in mobile telephony.

Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group, launched the Virgin Mobile brand by flying down the façade of popular hotel in south Mumbai and unveiled its logo in mid flight.

“The deal brings a tie-up between two of world’s leading business leaders – Ratan Tata of the Tata Group and Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin conglomerate” quotes tech2.com

Virgin Mobile will be launched in 50 cities initially and will subsequently be launched in more than 1,000 cities by the end of 2008.

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Image courtsey: www.hindubusinessline.com

The company expects to get five million subscribers over the first three years with special value-added services and handsets priced between $50-$125, i.e. from Rs 2000-6000. The handsets will be 100 percent colour and will have a variety of value added services such as, the customers will get 10 paise credit for every incoming minute they receive from any network and can have unlimited access to various portals for a daily charge of Rs. 5.

“Our aim is not to get as many subscribers as possible but we want to deliver this brand to a more distinct segment,” said Branson.

After success in this network, Virgin plans to extend its services in GSM network.