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September 10, 2008: Warren, NJ Latest news: Video and web
entertainment on a cell phone without the hassle of a contract just got a
whole lot faster. Virgin Mobile USA and Personal Communications Devices,
LLC [PCD] are launching the Shuttle, Virgin Mobile USA's first EV-DO
handset, designed with high performance for data and content in mind.
Available exclusively at Best Buy Mobile and BestBuy.com as of September
28, the Shuttle ushers in a new era of performance for consumers who demand
the flexibility of monthly plans with no contract but also feel the 'need
for speed.'
Following Virgin Mobile USA's recent acquisition of Helio, the Shuttle
will be the first handset enabled to integrate several features from the
Helio portfolio. This will include improved access to social networking
communities and other mobile internet sites through partnerships with
Accuweather, ESPN, Facebook*, MySpace, YouTube, Yahoo! and more. The Shuttle is also slated to feature Virgin Mobile's first
location-based services from uLocate including:
-- Buddy Beacon, the popular 'friend-finder' solution which
allows customers to find friends in a crowded city and show where they
are and what they're doing; and
-- Where, the application that delivers local information to easily
discover nearby places and things of interest such as locating the
lowest gas prices, finding local events, and getting restaurant
recommendations.
According to Bob Stohrer, Virgin Mobile USA's Chief Marketing Officer,
the time has arrived for Virgin Mobile USA to make the 3G leap. "With the
Helio acquisition and the new Shuttle, we've made a strong move into 3G,
satisfying our customers who want the speed and affordability, while
greatly enhancing our handset line-up just in time for the holidays,"
Stohrer said. Jam-packed with features such as a 1.3 megapixel camera, 2" screen;
video capture, playback and messaging, integrated media player that
supports both streaming and sideloaded music, stereo Bluetooth** wireless
technology, and SD card support, while sporting a stylish S-curve design in
a compact slider form factor. "Virgin Mobile USA is a natural fit for the handset, especially
considering their game-changing commitment to innovation, service and
value," said Philip Christopher, President, PCD. "The Shuttle is the latest
in a long line of PCD offerings that deliver on that commitment, a
tremendous and affordable device that will surprise and delight discerning
Virgin Mobile USA consumers, just in time for the holidays." New Virgin Mobile USA Mobile Web OfferWith the new Shuttle, Virgin Mobile USA is also introducing its first
Mobile Web data packs as add-ons to calling plans, as more and more
customers access the mobile web and other mobile data services. "Data is
the center of growth in wireless. This handset is a perfect fit for our new
Mobile Web, heavily discounted for customers who purchase a monthly voice
plan, and a big benefit for users looking to take advantage of the fast
web-browsing abilities," said Stohrer. The new Shuttle adds a cost-effective and attractive product to Virgin
Mobile USA's lineup, as customers have access to a host of calling and
messaging plans without annual contracts, including the $79.99 Totally
Unlimited voice plan that provides unlimited calling without roaming
charges, activation fees or a two-year commitment. Here are highlights of
the Shuttle handset:
-- Sleek and small, this slider measures 3.9" x 1.9" x 0.7"
-- all at just a shade over 3 ounces and about the size of half a candy
bar, the phone fits perfectly in a pocket or the palm of a hand.
-- EV-DO 3G-capable data speeds for browsing mobile internet and
downloading content. -- Boasts a 1.3 megapixel camera, 2" screen, video capture and video
messaging, a music player, stereo Bluetooth*, and SD card support. -- Comes preloaded with an array of playful games, along with downloadable
animated and Real Music ringtones. -- More than 235 minutes of talk time and nearly 2 weeks of standby time on
a single charge -- Room for 500 contacts that accommodate 5 numbers, 2 email addresses, 2
IM handles and 1 website slot for each contact. -- Has Virgin Mobile USA's Contact Vault, which allows customers to
store, retrieve, delete and transfer their wireless phone's
personal contacts list online in the event the phone is lost, stolen,
damaged or upgraded. About Personal Communications DevicesPCD (http://www.personalcommunicationsdevices.com) is committed to bringing
you the wireless world through innovative wireless devices and rich service
offerings. Formerly UTStarcom Personal Communications Division, PCD serves
as a global gateway for technology partners, providing high-quality,
reliable and versatile wireless communications devices including handsets,
PocketPCs, smartphones, messaging devices and wireless broadband modems to
carriers throughout North and South America. Product planning and
development on CDMA, GSM/GPRS and HSDPA platforms, technical testing,
quality control as well as marketing and warranty support are among the
offerings provided by PCD that differentiate it from other wireless
industry suppliers. Based in Hauppauge, New York, PCD is a subsidiary of
Personal Communications Devices Holdings, LLC, which is controlled by AIG
Investments. AIG Investments is the asset management arm of American
International Group, Inc. [NYSE:AIG]. About Virgin Mobile USAVirgin Mobile USA, Inc. [NYSE:VM], through its operating company
Virgin Mobile USA, L.P., offers more than five million customers control,
flexibility and choice through Virgin Mobile's Plans Without Annual
Contracts and postpaid offerings through Helio By Virgin Mobile, with
national coverage for both powered by the Sprint PCS network. Virgin Mobile USA is known for its award-winning customer service, was
recently rated the best prepaid wireless service for the third year in a
row in the Annual PC Magazine Readers' Choice Survey, with 90% of its own
customers reporting satisfaction with its service. Virgin Mobile USA allows
customers to earn free minutes in exchange for viewing advertising content
online through the innovative Sugar Mama program. Virgin Mobile USA's full
slate of smart, stylish and affordable handsets are available at
approximately 40,000 top retailers nationwide and online at
http://www.virginmobileusa.com, with Top-Up cards available at more than 140,000
locations. Helio's advanced devices like the Ocean and unlimited All-in
voice plans can be explored at http://www.helio.com. * Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. ** Bluetooth trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. SOURCEVirgin Mobile USA, Inc.
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