14 DAY TRIAL // Virgin Mobile USA has announced today that it plans to unveil, on April 15, 2009, a Totally Unlimited prepaid calling plan for only $49.99. At the same time, the company has also mentioned that it intends to boost its monthly plans “with a special program designed to help support customers who become unemployed.“
People who sign for a new $49.99 plan or for other Monthly Plans Without Annual Contracts the mobile phone carrier offers at the moment qualify for “Pink Slip Protection,” which will allow customers not to pay 3 monthly charges in case they lose their job. In addition, those who opt for the company's new Texter's Delight program will be able to benefit from the Pink Slip Protection too.
“With a great selection of high quality, affordable handsets, Virgin Mobile USA offers consumers unparalleled value,” said Dan Schulman, CEO, Virgin Mobile USA. “New network rates obtained from Sprint, which go into effect immediately, allow us to pass value back to the consumer and open a new addressable market for us at the $49.99 unlimited level. This offer allows us to effectively compete in the market and we believe will help to further improve our financial performance.”
Virgin Mobile USA launched last year an unlimited nationwide calling plan that is now available for only $49.99, offering no-annual-contract unlimited calling, anytime, anywhere in the United States. Those who would like to opt for a plan from Virgin Mobile will be able to pay with cash or credit/debit, and won't have to pay for activation fees or for long-distance calls or roaming. The company also states that its nationwide 3G network provides coverage for more than 280 million people.
The new refreshed suite includes “300 anytime minutes and 1,000 7PM Nights/Weekend minutes” for $29.99, and “400 anytime minutes plus unlimited Nights/Weekend minutes” for $39.99. Those who go for one of the three Monthly Plans Without Annual Contracts can also bundle a Text/Messaging and/or Mobile Web Access plan for an extra $5 each. The operator also offers Unlimited Messaging, which could be added for only $10 a month.
“Prepaid offers better value, rates and flexibility with more advanced handsets than ever before,” added Schulman. “No-annual-contract plans lead the wireless industry and Virgin Mobile USA's competitive rates with no long-term commitment provide a viable alternative to contract plans. With our inexpensive handsets, the cost of entry into Virgin Mobile wireless service is often much less than that of our large and smaller competitors.”
Texter's Delight will also be introduced on April 15 as a prepaid plan for heavy texters. The pack includes 1,000 messages for $14.99, yet users will also be able to opt for Unlimited Text and Messaging for $19.99. The plan includes Text, IM, Email, Photo and Video messaging, while also offering the option of minutes priced at 10 cents each. “These new Monthly Messaging Plans are a great value at under $20 for heavy texters who want inexpensive minutes only as needed,” says Bob Stohrer, chief marketing officer for Virgin Mobile USA.
The Pink Slip Protection applies to all new customers who opt for one of the new Monthly Plans Without Annual Contracts Virgin Mobile offers. The company states the following in the matter: “Once a customer has been with Virgin Mobile for at least two months on a Monthly Plan, and then loses his/her job and becomes eligible for state unemployment benefits within the next 12 months, Virgin Mobile USA will step in with Pink Slip Protection and cover the cost of the monthly plan including taxes and surcharges for up to three months. Proof of eligibility for state unemployment benefits will be required.”
In addition, the company also says that its current prepaid Monthly Plan customers will be able to apply for the Pink Slip Protection, yet they will need to be customers of the carrier for at least two consecutive months.
“We take the Virgin role as customer champion very seriously, and hope this is another way our customers can 'Take Advantage of Virgin Mobile.' The role of your cell phone becomes even more essential when you are networking and Pink Slip Protection can mean retaining all the benefits and flexibility of your wireless plan when you need to stay 'connected,'” Stohrer said.
