Press releases

You Should Get What You Pay For Says Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile Launches Australia’s First Rollover Cap Plans

Sydney, 17 November 2009 – It’s not unreasonable to expect to get what you pay for, but according to new research from Virgin Mobile, nine out of ten Australian mobile users on a cap plan, are currently paying for talk and text value that they don’t use. In fact, Virgin Mobile data shows that those on capped plans lose an average of $1,200 worth of talk or text value in a single year because it expires at the end of the month, rather than rolling over to the next month.

In an Australian first, Virgin Mobile has introduced a new suite of Rollover Cap Plans that allow Post-Paid Virgin Mobile Members to roll over any unused included talk & text and use it within the following month³.

"We believe you should get what you pay for and are proud to be the first mobile phone company in Australia to offer a cap that allows you to rollover unused talk & text value to the following month," said Anthony Hearne, Virgin Mobile’s Marketing Director.

The research reveals that those on a monthly cap plan, on average use their full talk & text allowance less than twice a year, with the rest of their credit going to waste. Further, eight out of ten Australian mobile users said they would use their phone differently if they knew they had extra credit rolled over from the previous month. Two thirds say they would feel less worried about making calls; 38% would talk for longer and 36% would make more calls.

According to the survey of 1,020 people, 87% of Australian mobile users feel cheated when they don’t use their entire cap plan and a staggering 93% would consider switching carriers for a plan which allowed them to rollover unused value.

"We recognise that mobile phone usage may vary from month to month and are constantly evolving our plans to ensure our customers can spend their mobile budget to get more of what they want from their mobile phone," said Anthony. "We also continue to offer our customers unlimited free mobile talk & text 24/7 between Virgin customers, reflecting our ongoing commitment to offer flexibility and value to all of our Members."

Virgin Mobile launched its suite of nine Post-Paid Rollover Cap plans, including two options for iPhone, last week. The new suite will now see any included talk & text value that isn’t used, automatically roll over into the next month to be used after the next months included talk and text is exhausted. The new plans also include international calls, unlimited mobile talk & text to other mobile Members, free voicemail and a mobile internet data allowance. Recognising that their Members interact more online than any other telco, Virgin Mobile also offers the option to increase their mobile internet data allowance on a Rollover Cap Plus plan.

"Recent customer research found that the ability to rollover unused talk & text value had the highest customer appeal out of a range of possible mobile offers. As a result we have introduced Australia’s first Rollover Cap plans."

The Virgin Mobile research found that there are a number of other things Australian mobile users also pay for and don’t use. In the past month, 74% have thrown out food that went bad, 21% bought newspapers that were never read, 11% paid for gym memberships they didn’t use and 9% bought train tickets where the return journey was never used.

Snapshot of Rollover Cap Plans^*

You Pay (min cost over 24 months)	Included Talk & Text	Mobile Internet Data	PLUS:
19 ($456)	$50	5MB	Rollover your unused Talk & Text3 Unlimited mobile Talk & Text 24/7 to other mobile Members FREE voicemail in Oz International Talk & Text included
29 ($696)	$150	20MB
39 ($936)	$250	30MB
49 ($1176)	$350	50MB
59 ($1416)	$450	50MB
79 ($1896)	$700	50MB
99 ($2376)	$1000	50MB

* For a full outline of the Rollover Cap plans, and terms and conditions, please see: http://www.virginmobile.com.au/rollover

Notes to Editors

• Please note, included talk & text rolls over for one month only and is used after the current month’s included talk and text is exhausted.
• Mobile Internet data doesn't roll over.


For more information please contact: Jess Makin – One Green Bean – 02 9699 9503 – Jess@onegreenbean.com.au

Sarah Blades – Virgin Mobile – 0434 939 591 – sarah.blades@virginmobile.com.au

¹The research was conducted online by Galaxy Research in May 2009 with 1,025 Australians aged 18 and over who own or are the primary user of a mobile phone.

²This was calculated based on Virgin Mobile customers who have used a Post-Paid cap plan in the past 24 months

³Any unused talk & text credit rolls over to the following month only and is used after the following month’s included talk & text is exhausted. Data does not rollover.

Virgin Mobile WiFi Modem allows up to three users to be online at any one time

Today Virgin Mobile launched Australia’s first mobile broadband WiFi modem - the Virgin Mobile WiFi Modem. Powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, the Virgin Mobile WiFi Modem sends out a signal allowing up to three users to simultaneously connect to the internet, at 3G speeds using the Optus 3G (Dual Band) Network , without the need for wires or cables.

Sleek and compact, the Virgin Mobile WiFi Modem is smaller than a computer mouse and weighs a mere 90g. With a range of 15 metres it also features a Micro SD card slot that supports up to 32GB of memory, making it the ultimate mobile broadband solution.

Virgin Mobile’s CEO Peter Bithos commented, “The internet plays an ever-increasing role in the lives of our Members – from communication to business to entertainment. We’re thrilled to be the first in Australia to offer the choice between a standard USB modem or the Virgin Mobile WiFi Modem allowing them to access a range of internet-enabled devices at once without the need for cables”

During October, Pre-Paid Virgin Mobile WiFi Modem starter packs are available exclusively from Dick Smith for $199. They include a Virgin Mobile WiFi Modem and, for a limited time,1GB of data. From December, the Virgin Mobile WiFi Modem will be available from all major retailers with both Pre- and Post-Paid options.

“In line with our other Mobile Broadband products, Virgin Mobile WiFi Modem offers Members exceptional value combined with flexibility and ease of use, making it even easier for Members to connect with other Members, wherever they may be,” said Bithos.

According to Nick Klay, Communications Buyer for Dick Smith “We are committed to providing our customers with the latest technology and leading brands in all categories. The Virgin modem compliments our already extensive mobile range, enabling us to provide our customers with a wide range of solutions to meet their technology needs.”

Top-up options

Top-up	Size	Expiry
$15	500MB	30 Days
$30	1GB	30 Days
$50	3GB	60 Days
$100	6GB	90 Days
$149 (Dick Smith Exclusive voucher until 30th November)	10GB	365 Days

Notes to Editors

• Data includes uploads & downloads & charged per KB
• Support of 802.11 b/g WiFi standards
• 10GB monthly limit, excess data rolls over to the next calendar month
• Acceptable use policy applies
• Modem is network locked and can be released after topping up with $80

To arrange a review please contact:

Katie Dufficy – Fuel Communications - 02 9213 2313 - kdufficy@fuelcommunications.com.au

For more information please contact:

Jess Makin – One Green Bean – 02 9699 9503 – Jess@onegreenbean.com.au

Sarah Blades – Virgin Mobile – 0434 939 591 – sarah.blades@virginmobile.com.au

Broadband speeds are available in the Optus Dual Band (2100MHZ / 900 MHZ) network. Outside of these areas users fall back to Optus’ GSM/GPRS network. See Virginmobile.com.au for info and coverage details.

A Fresh Direction for Virgin Mobile Australia

Online Growth; Member Benefits; New Look and Feel

Sydney, 29th Sept 2009 – It’s nicer to be treated like a member than be reminded you’re a customer. Virgin Mobile Australia (VMA) made a number of major announcements today revealing a new web presence and concept store. Virgin Mobile also unveiled an exciting new brand platform, new look and feel and a refreshed approach moving forward.

Virgin Mobile is investing in the customer experience like never before. Major investments into customer service areas have seen complaints reduced by 25% - more than any other telco in Australia.

In a nutshell, Virgin Mobile Australia (VMA) is changing how it does things and it is excited.

Business Growth: Leading Online Presence and New Concept Store

About to sign up its one-millionth customer, Virgin Mobile is growing and will soon be seen in more places than ever before both online and offline.

Virgin Mobile members interact more online than any other telco, with mobile broadband and Internet-enabled mobile phone services making the web more intrinsic to their everyday life. In response to this, Virgin Mobile has increased its focus on building a robust and engaging online presence.

The first stage of this, is the refresh of the www.virginmobile.com.au website and the addition of the Members Lounge portal. The second stage will be the relaunch of the Virgin Mobile e-shop later this year. It will be easier to navigate than ever before, offering new and existing members an improved online retail experience.

Supporting its increasing online presence, Virgin Mobile launched its first concept store on Pitt Street in Sydney today. Over the past few years, Virgin Mobile has doubled its retail footprint adding 13 kiosk in 2008. Virgin Mobile will continue to expand its retail footprint in Australia using the new store concept unveiled today.

The new Sydney hero store is designed using the latest interactive technology. Touch screens allow customers to easily browse and compare handset features as well as interact with the brand and the Members Lounge. Live handsets will enable customers to experience the features of the various phones on offer.

New brand platform – Members Welcome

Building on its existing Virgin philosophy of putting the customer at the heart of everything, Virgin Mobile is launching a refreshing new ‘Members Welcome’ brand strategy. This will see Virgin Mobile customers treated like members of a club with membership perks - not just at sign-up but for the lifetime of their membership. These benefits range from Virgin brand family offers to exclusive discounts, VIP access to music gigs and even free beer on Fridays . Cheers.

Peter Bithos, CEO of Virgin Mobile Australia said, “We believe there’s an opportunity for a mobile company that values its customers more and treats them better, whilst still providing great value. At Virgin Mobile we want a relationship with our members that goes beyond the transactional one.”

“We want to dial up our connection with them, engaging with members more online and in areas of interest outside of their mobile phone. Our existing customers are just as important to us as new ones so we’re excited to introduce a host of benefits that make being a loyal Virgin Mobile member even more rewarding.”

Virgin family perks will allow VMA members to benefit from a host of different Virgin offers, such as Velocity points, 10% back on Virgin Blue flights and more. With VMA’s new benefits plus ongoing unlimited free mobile talk & text 24/7 between members , VMA members will be able to connect with other members more easily.

Virgin Mobile has also secured an exclusive partnership with discount live entertainment ticket provider Lasttix.com.au. Virgin Mobile Members will jump the queue for priority Lasttix tickets to Live Music, Performing Arts, Comedy, Family, and Sport – another great benefit accessible through www.MembersLounge.com.au.

The Members Lounge

Along with these new member benefits, Virgin Mobile has launched a new Members’ Lounge portal (www.MembersLounge.com.au) on its website. Not just a website, but a destination, the Members Lounge is a digital space where members can go to view exclusive content, read bar and restaurant reviews, get special access to gigs and events, not to mention claim lots of great member benefits and exclusive offers.

Non-members can use a ‘guest pass’ to have a sneak peak at the Members Lounge but only VMA members will have full access to the exclusive content and benefits on offer.

Follow Members Lounge on Twitter to receive the latest news and member offers from Virgin Mobile.

Brand new look and feel

 

There would be no point in Virgin Mobile changing the way it does things without changing the way it looks, so as of this month you will see a whole new look for Virgin Mobile Australia. Starting with its new website www.virginmobile.com.au and moving right through to all of its point of sale, new store design and, in a nutshell, everything it does.

The refreshed Virgin Mobile website (virginmobile.com.au) includes a new, simple to understand format for products and services as well as plan comparison tools to make checking, updating or changing your plan even easier.

VMA will be producing a monthly magazine with the latest offers, handsets, plans and lifestyle content, available through the stores or by mail on request.

Virgin Mobile Metro Exciting news for Sydney-based members is the sponsorship of Sydney’s contemporary music venue The Virgin Mobile Metro, giving members exclusive tickets and VIP benefits to this iconic music venue. This sponsorship is part of Virgin Mobile Australia’s ongoing commitment to music by providing customers with special access to gigs and festivals.

New Campaign Tying it all together is the new campaign all around members and the benefits they get. This highlights Virgin Mobile member benefits such as 10% back on Virgin Blue flights, free beers on Friday, free voicemail (Virgin Mobile is the only telco in Australia to offer this) and VIP gig access.

Revealing a new creative direction for Virgin Mobile, the TVC is shot like a film clip with a contemporary, ‘music video’ edge and energy. It is a completely different look and feel to anything Virgin Mobile have done before and will no doubt appeal to a wide audience of music lovers.

Peter Bithos said, “Virgin Mobile is always looking for further ways to provide members with a more rewarding experience, whether that’s in terms of coverage, getting online, the latest technology and handsets, access to stores or unique benefits that only the Virgin brand can provide.”

Notes to Editors

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:

– One Green Bean – jess@onegreenbean.com.au or 0416 292 912

Rob Lowe – One Green Bean – rob@onegreenbean.com.au or 9699 9503

ⁱ Free beer on Fridays is being trialled in NSW in October 2009 with a view to rolling out nationally by the end of the year. ⁱⁱ Pre-Paid needs 1c balance. All rates apply in Oz

Virgin Mobile Makes Its Mark In Australian Music History

Sydney, Wednesday 16 September: Virgin Mobile Australia cemented its commitment to music today by announcing its sponsorship with the Sydney Metro Theatre which as from today has been officially renamed the Virgin Mobile Metro. Century Venues (owners of The Metro Theatre) and Virgin Mobile are thrilled to announce the collaboration which will safeguard the iconic venue’s future and support the contemporary live music artists that perform there.

The partnership includes venue enhancements that will benefit all music lovers, along with a host of VIP benefits for Virgin Mobile members. Meanwhile it will provide a platform for Metro bands to expand their audience through Virgin Mobile’s customer base.

Virgin Mobile said the sponsorship reflects Virgin Mobile’s ongoing commitment to supporting, encouraging, displaying and distributing great music. It also highlights its dedication to providing its ‘members’ with real time rewards and benefits in addition to optimal customer service.

"Music is part of Virgin Mobile’s DNA. We are thrilled with this partnership which enables us to support an iconic live music venue and the artists that perform there, whilst enhancing the Metro music experience for Virgin Mobile members and other music lovers," said Dave Cain, Virgin Mobile’s Experiential Marketing Manager.

Elia Eliades MD of Century Venues, agrees that the partnership is a natural alliance that will benefit contemporary live music and emerging artists.

"The partnership is a logical alliance that will benefit contemporary live music and emerging artists.

"Contemporary music is yet to receive the subsidies and formal endorsements that other live arts in Australia enjoy. As such, it’s up to those committed to a vibrant contemporary live music sector to create relationships that support this sector," Elia said.

The sponsorship will give Virgin Mobile special access to scheduled Metro gigs with tickets available for Virgin Mobile members through its new Members’ Lounge website ( www.MembersLounge.com.au).

At these gigs members will receive a free drink and food along with exclusive access to the new Virgin Mobile Members’ Lounge at Metro with comfortable seats and a prime view of the stage, plus opportunities for band ‘meet-and-greets’. Exclusive content from Members’ Gig bands will be made available to all Virgin Mobile members via the Members’ Lounge website, providing those bands with an opportunity to expand their audience reach to more than three quarters of a million Virgin Mobile customers nationally. After each gig, video content from the night, including backstage footage, will also be hosted online.

To celebrate the new partnership and its investment in the future of contemporary live music, Virgin Mobile is hosting a special gig at the Virgin Mobile Metro on Tuesday 29 September. Popular indie rock band Dappled Cities are headlining the gig and will launch their new single ‘The Night is Young at Heart’. They will be supported by The Seabellies. The Seabellies were winners of the first Garage2V in 2007 and have just recorded their debut LP in the USA and are launching their first single this month. People can register for free tickets to this event at www.MembersLounge.com.au.

"Virgin Mobile has supported a number of music initiatives in Australia that aim to enhance the music experience for Virgin Mobile customers including Garage2V and the V Festival."

"We hope this partnership with Metro will be the first of similar partnerships throughout the country for Virgin Mobile," said Dave Cain.

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Jess Makin – One Green Bean – jess@onegreenbean.com.au or 0416 292 912

Rob Lowe – One Green Bean – rob@onegreenbean.com.au or 9699 9503

Amber Morris – Virgin Mobile – amber.morris@virginmobile.com.au or 0403 999 821

Most Aussie mobile users are in the dark when it comes to the cost of voicemail. In fact, three out of four Australians with voicemail don’t know how much they are charged to retrieve messages, according to research^* released today by Virgin Mobile.

The study shows that, on average, Australians with voicemail use 14% of their cap plans on voicemail charges. This equates to an average of $71 in hard cash that most Aussies are unwittingly spending each year.

In the midst of a recession, Virgin Mobile CEO, Peter Bithos said, "Virgin Mobile believes that current voicemail charges are excessive and have become the equivalent of ATM fees in the Telco industry."

The research revealed that four in five (79%) mobile phone users would use voicemail more often if it were free, however Virgin Mobile is currently the only major provider that does not charge for voicemail, regardless of what plan the customer is on.

"We provide all of our customers with free voicemail and always have. Virgin Mobile customers can check their voicemails anywhere, anytime without worrying about the cost. We at Virgin Mobile are focussed on making it easy, simple and transparent for the customer. We can’t help but wonder why Telcos like 3 and Vodafone charge you to call yourself."

According to mobile phone users, only one out of every three messages is considered worth paying for. This means Australians with voicemail spend $46 a year on voicemail they don't even want to listen to.

The types of voicemail that annoy Australians most are blank messages (66%) and long and boring messages (37%). In addition, one in five people are frustrated by messages which simply say "I called" or "don’t worry about calling back".

Bithos says there is a need for other mobile operators, such as Vodafone and 3 Mobile, to clearly communicate and simplify all voicemail charges for consumers or get rid of them altogether.

"We have worked very hard to streamline our mobile caps and plans to ensure that along with receiving maximum value, our customers know what they are paying for – and what they really get for free. This allows each customer to spend their mobile budget on more of what they want from their mobile phone, and less on unwanted or unneeded fees." continued Bithos.

Virgin Mobile strongly recommends that when looking for value, customers go to http://yourcap.com.au to compare mobile plans and charges, including voicemail fees, from all the major Australian operators.

Notes to Editors

For further information, state specific results or to arrange an interview with Peter Bithos, please contact:

Jess Makin – One Green Bean – 02 9699 9503 – 0416 292 912 - jess@onegreenbean.com.au

Marina Cukeric – One Green Bean – 02 9699 9503 – 0402 514 452 – marina@onegreenbean.com.au

Amber Morris – Virgin Mobile – 0403 999 821 – amber.morris@virginmobile.com.au

^* The research was conducted online by Galaxy Research in May 2009 with 1,025 Australians aged 18 and over who own or are the primary user of a mobile phone.

Virgin Mobile has launched ‘Right Music Wrongs’ – a groundbreaking new brand campaign highlighting Virgin Mobile’s ongoing commitment to music.

The campaign, designed to create consumer debate about what makes music good or bad, stars rapper Vanilla Ice apologising for his recording of ‘Ice Ice Baby’, the biggest selling rap song ever which has sold over 40 million copies since its launch in 1991. The video clip leads to the www.rightmusicwrongs.org website where viewers can vote Vanilla Ice innocent or guilty and nominate other artists for their music wrongs.

Since being placed on YouTube on Wednesday 4 March, the Vanilla Ice apology has been viewed over 300,000 times, attracting more than 1,700 comments. The original film is currently the #1 Most Discussed, Favourited and Commented music video on YouTube in Australia and is gaining considerable traction as far afield as Canada, India and the UK. The campaign has also been featured on global news site The Huffington Post, where it generated 6,000 additional video views within 3 hours and in the Sun Newspaper in the UK.

The website received 44,000 unique visitors in the first 72 hours. To date there have been over 250 new artists submitted for inclusion in the live vote and in excess of 27,000 votes for and against Vanilla Ice have been received.

Virgin Mobile’s Dave Cain explains, "Virgin Mobile believes that everyone has an opinion on music, from the extreme to the humble, and that this opinion covers a huge range of musical styles."

"We want Australians to decide for themselves what real music is and tell us by joining the debate. You only have to look at the number of comments on YouTube and votes and nominations on RightMusicWrongs.org to see that people have strong opinions and want to share them."

The campaign is the brainchild of the team at Droga5 and their collaboration with Thought By Them has helped bring the idea alive seamlessly across all of Virgin Mobile’s music properties. One Green Bean are providing publicity support and MPG have negotiated media buys.

Sudeep Gohil from Droga5 said, "Our goal at Droga5 is to create positive momentum for our clients' brands. In this instance our brief was to cement Virgin Mobile's credentials in the music environment by tapping into popular culture. We have been able to create a campaign that encourages genuine consumer involvement, on a moderate budget, by working with Vanilla Ice and one of the most recognisable songs on the planet – and judging by the results so far consumers want to have their voices heard."

Dave Cain continued, "Vanilla Ice has always polarised opinion on popular music which is why we wanted to work with him so much. Virgin Mobile will continue to excite debate about what our customers believe is real music and is committed to righting music wrongs through initiatives like Garage2V and V Festival."

The first phase of the campaign culminates with on ground activation at V Festival in Sydney (28 March), Gold Coast (29 March), Melbourne (4 April) and Perth (5 April) where Virgin Mobile will right music wrongs by providing customers with a VIP festival experience. This includes priority entrance, use of special viewing platforms at the main stages and access to the Virgin Mobile Louder Lounge where they can enjoy an exclusive bar and have the use of VIP toilets.

During the next month, the campaign will be supplemented by a series of online and print ads in major metropolitan newspapers, free street / music press and major online news destinations such as ninemsn and music sites such as Faster Louder and InTheMix.

Broadcast support will consist of full content programming on Nova including a series of 15 and 30 second ads, street activations and editorial support.

Ambient activity to sustain the campaign’s momentum will include targeted indoor posters, street posters and chalk stencilling on city streets. A variety of point of sale material has also been created to support the campaign in Virgin Mobile stores including posters, counter cards, flyers, stickers and badges.

Notes to Editors

• Vanilla Ice YouTube video: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbAUi7savsk)
• Right Music Wrongs website: www.rightmusicwrongs.org

For further information or to view other creative elements of the campaign contact:

• Jess Makin - One Green Bean - 02 9699 9503 / jess@onegreenbean.com.au
• Amber Morris – Virgin Mobile – 0403 999 821 / amber.morris@virginmobile.com.au

Virgin Mobile Australia today launched Your Cap, a new suite of post-paid caps that offer increased value and flexibility for consumers. The Your Cap suite consists of five cap plans all of which include international calls, free calls and texts to other Virgin Mobiles, free voicemail and a mobile data allowance.

Virgin Mobile’s new post-paid plans range from the $20 Your Cap (with $50 value plus 5MB mobile data) to the $95 Your Cap (with $850,value plus 50MB of mobile data). Customers are free to use the generous included value for standard national and international calls and texts to any network. New customers who choose to bring their own phone to a Your Cap plan will receive an additional 20% included value allowance.

The move is part of Virgin Mobile’s aim to streamline its offering to customers, focussing on the products which deliver maximum flexibility and value. The Virgin Mobile Your Cap plans set themselves apart from competitors by offering mobile data, free voicemail access and free Virgin-to-Virgin calls and texts.

Virgin Mobile Australia CEO, Peter Bithos said, “The introduction of Virgin Mobile’s Your Cap suite is in line with our strategy to give people flexibility and more of what they want. Our customer insights tell us that our customers are looking for post-paid caps that combine freedom with great value and unbeatable service.”

“We are proud today to be able to offer the Your Cap suite of plans which offer customers even more ways to stay in touch with their mates and data without it costing the earth.”

Monthly Access Fee	$20	$30	$45	$75	$95
Included Value – 24  month contract	$50	$150	$320	$650	$850
Included Value – BYO  phone	$60	$180	$385	$780	$1020
Included Mobile Data	5MB	20MB	50MB	50MB	50MB

See www.virginmobile.com.au for details.

Notes to Editors

• Cap value can only be used for standard voice calls, text mobile data packs; 124 RED; excess mobile data usage;
• Vibe content will be billed in addition to the cap access fee
• Calls to national or international fixed or GSM mobile services to an overseas number or premium rated number will be billed
• Free Calls & Text: To Virgin Mobile numbers only. Fair excessive use (over 2500 minutes and/or 3000 text per month)
• Excess data is charged at a rate of 0.2 cents per KB

For further information or to view other creative elements of the campaign contact:

• Jess Makin - One Green Bean – 02 9699 9503
• Amber Morris – Virgin Mobile – 02 9028 0188 or 0403 999 821

Could your phone be suffering from EPS (Extreme Politeness Syndrome) or BGS (Beer Goggle Syndrome) where 'rogue' numbers and texts clog your SIM??

Research* released today by Virgin Mobile shows that Australians aged 18-34 are notorious for collecting unwanted phone numbers, collecting an average of 84 rogue numbers a year!

After the sociable festive season, it seems people everywhere have been enjoying one too many beverages and exchanging numbers, to find their phones littered with mystery numbers and no recollection of who they belong to. One in two Aussies aged 18-34 revealed that they have collected rogue numbers after a few drinks.

However, it is not always alcohol that encourages us to collect personal information from strangers. It seems the majority of us are simply painfully polite, with two thirds of Australians collecting phone numbers when faced with the situation of being asked for their number, then taking the stranger's number to be polite so as not to offend.

Other interesting findings from the research:

• 1 in 2 Australians collect numbers whilst under the influence of alcohol
• Two thirds of Australians can't say no to the offer of new numbers, claiming 'politeness' as the main reason
• NSW youths are the biggest networkers with three out of five (59%) saying the pick up rogue numbers at work functions
• 42% of Aussies have picked up rogue numbers while travelling out of town

It seems that men are no better than women, with both sexes admitting to stockpiling unknown numbers. Not surprisingly, it is the single gals and guys who are collecting and not deleting after a few drinks, with three out of five unmarried respondents admitting to collecting random numbers over a cocktail or two.

Virgin Mobile spokesperson Amber Morris, suggests that we should all regularly cleanse our phones. "We detox every other part of our life, why not extend this to your phone?"

Virgin Mobile is calling on all those polite and tipsy Australians to clear out their contacts and text their true friends at a great rate with Virgin Mobile. With free V-to-V calls and texts on selected services, it is even easier to stay in touch with your mates.

Notes to editors:

• For further information please contact the team at One Green Bean: +612 9699 9113 or Kathryn@onegreenbean.com.au
• For more information on Virgin Mobile's great offers, please visit the Virgin Mobile website at www.virginmobile.com.au
• * This national Newspoll study was conducted online with 679 respondents aged 18 to 34 year.

Virgin Mobile Australia is today launching its first Pre-Paid cap as a $35 voucher that comes with $170 worth of credit. Perfect for consumers who aren't ready to commit but still want to get the benefits of a cap, the $35 voucher will be just the thing they're looking for.

The move is part of Virgin Mobile's aim to offer customers flexibility and increased value across its range of products. Pre-Paid caps are ideal for customers wanting to retain greater control of their mobile spending, particularly in light of the current economic climate. The Virgin Pre-Paid cap sets itself apart from competitors by offering free voicemail access and free Virgin-to-Virgin calls and texts.

Virgin Mobile Australia CEO, Peter Bithos said, "The introduction of Virgin Mobile's Pre-Paid cap is in line with our strategy to provide mobile solutions that suit the individual's needs. Our customer insights tell us that our customers are looking for a pre-paid mobile service that combines freedom with great value and unbeatable service. We are proud today to be able to offer our first pre-paid cap, and look forward to rolling out many more in the future to suit our individual customers needs."

The introduction of the Pre-Paid Virgin Mobile cap complements the already popular Free Virgin-to-Virgin offer, meaning customers now have even more ways to stay in touch with their mates as much as they like without costing them the earth.

Existing Virgin Mobile customers can pick up the $35 cap as a rechargeable voucher, while new customers need to activate a standard starter pack voucher and simply recharge this with the Pre-Paid cap.

Notes to Editors

• $170 credit consists of $35 credit and $135 bonus credit. Bonus credit can only be used for standard voice calls, text, MMS, calls to 13 &18 numbers. Bonus credit cannot be used for special numbers, premium SMS and content (including Vibe). Bonus credit is used first for eligible calls and services.
• All credit expires 30 days after recharge voucher is activated. Bonus credit will expire and will not roll over if you recharge with a different amount or move to a monthly account
• Free Calls &Text: To Virgin Mobile numbers only. Fair Use Policy applies. Fees/Cancellation may apply for excessive use (over 2500 minutes and/or 3000 text per month).

For further information, images or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Jess Makin

One Green Bean

02 9699 9503 or 0416 292 912

16 September 2008 - Virgin Broadband today announces its new Pre-paid Mobile Broadband service, offering customers flexibility, value and freedom for all their broadband needs. Adding Pre-paid Mobile Broadband to its already extensive broadband portfolio, which includes mobile broadband and broadband at home, Virgin Broadband now makes it even easier to use your broadband as much or as little as you like without being tied into any contracts or monthly fees.

Perfect for students or those in a shared household, it works in the same way that a pre-paid mobile phone works - you simply buy a voucher for your desired amount or use your credit card online to and top up again once you are ready. It's never been easier and with vouchers being available from over 18,000 locations Australia-wide, there really is no reason to ever run out of credit or spend more than you budgeted for.

Virgin Broadband's new CEO Peter Bithos commented, "We are so excited to be able offer our customers an even easier way to use their mobile broadband with the freedom of topping up whenever they like with whatever value they need. Here at Virgin Broadband we focus on our customers and what they want. Right now, they want broadband at great value, with flexibility, freedom and ease of use and we believe we have just the product for them."

Starter packs with modem and SIM are available for $179, or customers with their own modems or data cards can get connected with a $10 SIM starter pack. Both of these introductory packs come with 500MB of data and 30 days to use it, and with a wide range of vouchers available there is the right voucher for everyone.

Peter Bithos continued, "And if that wasn't enough, the launch of our new super stylish super slim dongle means that it's now even easier to be mobile. The size of an average USB stick, this sexy wireless modem simply slots into your computer and allows you to be up and running within minutes."

Virgin Broadband is available in Optus 3G/HSPA areas. See www.virginbroadband.com.au/coverage for details.

Notes to Editors

• Data includes uploads & downloads & charged per byte
• 10GB monthly limit, excess data rolls over to the next calendar month
• Customers wishing to bring their own modem with them must check compatibility and coverage first
• This is an introductory offer as and pricing may be subject to change

For more information, interviews or imagery, please contact:

Mollie O'Brien

Senior Account Manager

One Green Bean

P: 0404 847 018

Amber Morris

PR Manager

Virgin Mobile Australia

P: 0403 999 821

• 10% of young Australians have been involved in a breakup as a result of text-checking
• 59% of text checkers check their partner's phone when they're in the shower
• Women (38%) are more likely than men (28%) to check their partner's texts

Wednesday 27th August 2008 - 900,000 Australians have admitted to checking their partner's phones according to new research conducted by Virgin Mobile. The research has revealed that Australia is a nation of paranoid text checkers with over one in three young Australians admitting to checking their partner's text messages, and more than 280,000 having been being involved in a text-checking related break-up.

The research also reveals:

• 76% of text checkers do so in secret
• 73% of secret text checkers have found out things they later wished they hadn't
• 44% of sneaky text checkers have discovered flirtatious or sexual texts, ranging from harmless flirtation (32%) to full blown sexual texts from someone else (19%)
• The most common places text checkers operate is while their partner is in the shower (59%), whilst in the same room (41%) or on the toilet (35%)

With the aim of squashing the nation's obsession with text checking, Virgin Mobile introduces a new service for those customers concerned about their partner's snoopy tendencies. Customers can simply text the word 'snoop' to 1978 99 99 to have a text from 'SEXY' sent to their phone. When the text message is opened by a paranoid partner, the message will remind the checker to have trust in their loved one.

Author, relationship expert and text-checking guru, Samantha Brett says that text checking is rampant in relationships across the world;

"With so many modes of communication available these days, it's difficult to keep track of your partner's whereabouts or who they're chatting to and when, and what it all means. No wonder so many of us are checking our partner's texts! But there's reason to take note as Virgin Mobile's research proves that thousands of relationships are breaking down as a result of our text checking behaviour."

Virgin Mobile's sense of responsibility for text checkers Australia-wide began with the introduction of the 'All You Can Eat' offer, which allows customers to text and call Virgin to Virgin for free.

Amber Morris, PR Manager at Virgin Mobile says;

"Virgin Mobile couldn't believe the results of this research - in fact we were amazed so many of us are so snoopy! In a society when we very rarely let our mobile phones out of our sight, it's quite amazing to think that for a lot of us the minute we jump in the shower, someone might be checking up on us. To stop the average text checker in their tracks and hopefully make them think twice about what they are doing, we've launched the new text-checker service."

Brett continues, "Flirting is age old, but the fact that it can now be tracked on your phone makes a nervous partner a paranoid text-checker. If you suspect that your partner is up to something, keep the peace and talk about it. Text checking can turn into a vicious cycle, and the thing is, it can easily be avoided."

The new Virgin Mobile text checkers service - from the same people that brought you fantastic services such as DUI (dialling under the influence) and SOS* - will be launching later this week. Details can be found at www.virginmobile.com.au. Virgin Mobile encourages responsible texting.

Notes to editors:

Media Game quotes are available at www.mediagame.com.au

Research methodology:

• This study was conducted online among members of a permission based panel
• Respondents were mobile phone users aged 18-29 years
• Research conducted by Galaxy Research in July 2008

The 'SEXY' text will read: "Gotcha! You appear to be snooping - shame on you. Now, put down the phone and step away - did you really think I would save a number in my phone saved under 'sexy'?"

* Virgin Mobile is well known for its quirky services for their customers, already including:

DUI

Don't dial Under the Influence! Incoherent calls to exes, bosses and partners could be a thing of the past as Virgin Mobile urges you to get tighter with the right posse. Dial 333 plus a phone number you don't want to call when drunk e.g. 333 0431 123456. Virgin Mobile then stops all calls to that number (e.g. 0431 123456) by blacklisting it until 6am the following morning from your phone. To undo the action in an emergency dial 333CLEAR (33325327).

SOS

Stuck in a disastrous date? Small talk and uncomfortable silences galore? Wish you were anywhere but there? Don't want to make a scene? Fear not - now you can dial 767 (SOS) and hang up without saying a word and then Virgin Mobile will call you back a minute later with a perfect excuse to get you out of there. We'll even talk you through what to say. The SOS RING™ is the perfect excuse to get out of that disastrous date without causing a scene.

For more information, additional statistics, state-by-state breakdowns or interview with Sam Brett or Virgin Mobile spokesperson, please contact:

Mollie O'Brien

Senior Account Manager

One Green Bean

P: 0404 847 018

E: mollie@onegreenbean.com.au

Amber Morris

PR Manager

Virgin Mobile Australia

P: 0403 999 821

E: amber.morris@virginmobile.com.au

Virgin Mobile Australia today announces the early retirement of CEO, Matt Davey. After over a decade of working for the SingTel Group, Matt has decided to spend some quality time doing what he loves most - fishing.

Matt originally joined Optus in August 1996 as State Manager for Optus World, before eventually taking up the role as Deputy Managing Director of Mobile and Director of Small Business in 2003. He joined Virgin Mobile Australia as Chief Executive Officer in February 2006 and was behind the launch of one of Australia's most innovative launches, Virgin Broadband in July last year.

Many industry friends will know that Matt's passion for telcos has always been matched by his passion for fishing, so Matt's first retirement goal after he finishes with Virgin Mobile on 1 July will invariably be to net that record breaking marlin.

Matt Davey says:

"My time at Virgin Mobile has been nothing short of amazing and I have every confidence that Virgin will continue to build on its fantastic success story so far."

The role of CEO will be taken up by existing Virgin Mobile executive Peter Bithos, who is currently Director of Strategy and New Markets, a role he has held since 2006. Peter will step into the CEO role on 1 July.

Peter Bithos adds:

"While no one can ever replace Matt, I'm extremely excited about my new challenge. Under Matt's leadership, we've had phenomenal growth and an amazing transformation. I look forward to helping us all build on that success into the future."

Peter will report to Andrew Buay at Optus, who will have accountability for Virgin Mobile in addition to his Product and Delivery role.

• Virgin Mobile introduces 'FREE to V' Pre-Paid
• Virgin Mobile brings back the art of conversation
• Virgin Mobile talks it up this Summer

29 October 2007 Virgin Mobile today announces that it is bringing back the art of conversation by offering its pre-pay customers the chance to talk & text 'Virgin to Virgin' for FREE*. We literally couldn't make it any easier for you to stay in touch with your mates, catch up with old friends or make new ones!

In a bid to keep Australia one of the most social countries in the world, Virgin Mobile has smoothed the way to say 'G'day!' a whole lot more. This proposition should be absolutely irresistible to anyone who loves a chin-wag or is a text maniac. By purchasing a $29 recharge voucher*, a $19.95 starter kit or any pre-paid handset bundle sold with $5 credit included, Virgin Mobile customers can now talk & text Virgin to Virgin to their heart's content anytime, anywhere in Australia for FREE.

With the summer social scene ramping up already, what better time to take advantage of FREE calls & text Virgin to Virgin? Those balmy nights out on the town or lounging around will be even sweeter when you can tell share the experience with your friends.

Brand GM, Rich Field shares his support for the launch "We see our new 'FREE to V' proposition as a tool to re-connect with people. We live in an electronic age where email, messenger and pokes are standard, but we all know that these are poor substitutes for actually talking. This is bigger than just talking to friends and family, this is about talking to anyone on the Virgin network, anytime for FREE. Let's face it, with so many social networks, sometimes we forget to simply pick up the phone and ring, and with our new deal, why would you poke when you can ring for FREE?"

Virgin Mobile will be supporting this launch with an advertising and PR campaign, to be announced shortly.

New Pre-Paid Vouchers

Voucher	Included Value	Flagfall	Calls/30sec	Text	MMS	Expiry
$29	$29	0c V2V 25c other	V2V FREE 33c other	V2V FREE 25c other	V2V 25c 60c other	60 days
$19.95 Starter kit	$20	0c V2V 25c other	V2V FREE 35c other	V2V FREE 25c other	V2v 25C 60c other	30 days

Notes to Editors

*Calls are Virgin Mobile to Virgin Mobile. Fair use policy applies.
*$29 re-charge vouchers are available from the 1st November

Virgin Mobile Australia is a leading consumer focused mobile network with its headquarters in North Sydney and stores in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Virgin Mobile launched in October 2000 and was a joint venture between Optus and Virgin Management, in January 2006 Optus became the sole shareholder and Virgin Mobile was merged with Simplus.

Virgin Mobile Australia has continued to achieve strong growth and now has over 400,000 customers and is one of the most recognised brands globally, representing strong customer focus and good value for money being sold through more than 3500 outlets across Australia.

Believing that the broadband market in Australia was complicated and confusing, Virgin Mobile launched an Australian first, Virgin Broadband in July 2007. Offering a suite of Home Phone and Mobile Broadband packages delivered over the Virgin 3G HSDPA enabled network (3G network) and allowing customers to get one single bill for mobile and broadband packages, Virgin Broadband is well and truly shaking up the Australia broadband market as we know it.