AOL sent out a press release today stating that Virgin Media has joined the Open Mobile initiative set up by Bebo, the social network that was acquired for $850 million in March 2008. The Open Mobile initiative is a way for mobile operators, developers, and manufacturing companies to build mobile versions of the Bebo social networks with their brand on it.
As part of the agreement, Virgin will be creating the Bebo Open Mobile Internet website with Virgin’s brand on it and they will also be putting bookmarks for Bebo on the pre-releases of their devices. Virgin customers will be able to easily access Bebo’s mobile services right out of the box.
“Virgin Media’s decision to embed Bebo in their customer experience plays to both of our strengths and joins two great brands. In partnership with Virgin Media, we will be able to deliver great mobile content to more users in the UK,” stated Sean Kane, VP of Mobile at AOL People Networks.
Virgin Mobile’s Dan Schulman CEO stated at the Mobile Virtual Network Operator that the company plans to introduce a new line of touch-screen phones in the near future. Schulman did not give any specifics on when they would unleash the touch-screen, but stated that they stayed out of that market before since many consumers cannot afford these devices.
“Things like value and flexibility are moving to the forefront,” stated Schulman. “I think the economy is helping people to appreciate our model.”
Schulman believes that even though the iPhone and BlackBerry phones are getting a lot of attention, they still only account for 20% of the phones sold. This would be a very different move for Virgin because they are used to selling prepaid phone services. Last year Virgin acquired Helio, a struggling entertainment mobile virtual network operator company.
“It wouldn’t shock me to see more pricing pressure coming into the industry,” added Schulman.
Shan Sadiq | November 3, 2008 | 524 views | Comments Categorized under Virgin
Virgin Fired 13 employees who were part of a Facebook group that criticized the airline and its passengers. The 13 employees supposedly spent most of their time on Facebook.
The staff members bashed the airline’s maintenance records on Facebook. They also criticized passenger hygiene. They called some passengers smelly and annoying.
People with half a brain should know that social networks are public. Your digital footprint does disappear. Whether you put drunken party pictures up or criticize your employer, your social network life will catch up to your real life.
