Virgin Mobile Canada Gets Turned On!

- Virgin Mobile hooks up to super-charged HSPA+ network with the hottest phones

- New Members Lounge will make Virgin Mobile members really feel the love

TORONTO , Feb. 2 /CNW/ - With the help of the world's hottest lingerie models, Virgin Mobile revealed today that they're now serving up the world's hottest phone models on Canada's hottest network, and once again amping up the kind of brilliant customer experience you should expect from your mobile company.

"With the new HSPA+ network, Canadians have access to some of the world's most coveted, high-tech phones from the company that truly cares about them and delivers them more than they could possibly want," said Sir Richard Branson , Chairman of the Virgin Group. "Since our launch, Virgin Mobile has consistently challenged itself to be the leader in delivering a brilliant customer experience and today is the start of a whole new world for Canadians in the choices they have open to them."

In true Virgin style, lingerie models wearing unique creations by Canadians designers helped unveil the new products and services in a high-energy fashion show in Toronto . Virgin Mobile members can now choose from a range of leading phones like the BlackBerry(R) Bold(TM) 9700, wireless Internet services and SIM cards that operate on a big brilliant network here at home and deliver access to roaming in more than 200 countries. The fashions inspired by these new products were also autographed by the models and will be auctioned off to help raise money for Virgin Unite's relief work in countries like Haiti .

"As we boost our lineup with the smartest of smartphones like the BlackBerry Bold and other iconic brands, Virgin Mobile is now a true option for people searching for the best phones, the best experience, the best network and the best monthly plans," said Robert Blumenthal , President, Virgin Mobile Canada . "Today, Virgin Mobile is transforming itself from being predominantly a pre-paid player to a company that is truly taking on the contract and monthly plan market. With global roaming, a super-fast network and a whole range of exclusive add-ons, this is just the beginning. It's only going to get better from here with more new, high-tech phones and services to come throughout the year."

Other products unveiled today include the BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8530 in both classic black and hot purple, a new Novatel Ovation(TM) HSPA+ mobile Internet stick and a Novatel MiFi(TM) Portal that can create a hotspot to simultaneously connect up to five people to the Internet. Full details on all of the new products can be found at www.virginmobile.ca.

It's Better To Be A Member!

Virgin Mobile also launched the Members Lounge - a one-stop shop where all of its members (customers) can get the scoop on the latest offers and member-only benefits that are up for grabs. Virgin Mobile members are serious VIPs, with special perks and exclusive access to gigs, events, contests and freebies that nobody else offers.

"With Virgin Mobile, you're not just a customer or a number - you're a part of something bigger and better. Our members are everything to us, and we're showing them the love in the Members Lounge," said Blumenthal. "It's your Virgin Mobile mission control for you to manage your account, get the latest news on hot deals, access to the coolest events and surprise giveaways both on and off your mobile phone."

Some of the benefits that members get are:

    
    -   Flash It! - From special benefits and in-store giveaways to
        line-bypass at night clubs, your Virgin Mobile is your membership
        card to get the access no one else can

    -   Members Superstore - Get set up with the coolest products at the best
        deals at the Members Superstore

    -   Added Services - With a brand-spankin' new Virgin Mobile Live(TM),
        Visual Voicemail and Voicemail to Text, free Wi-Fi at Starbucks
        locations and much more, there's something for everyone in the
        Members Lounge
    

Members can get the best access by going to www.virginmobile.ca/lounge or by downloading the iPhone app to their Virgin Mobile.

Members Get Award-Winning Service

Virgin Mobile members get the best service out there. Virgin Mobile is the only mobile company to win the J.D. Power Award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Prepaid Service" five years in a row; and in 2009, the company also won the J.D. Power Award for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction in Postpaid Service."

Virgin Mobile is so confident in its service that members also get the 30-Day "You'll Love Us " Guarantee. Test drive the new network and if you're not convinced in 30 days, you can cancel your plan without any hassle or cancellation fees.

Get Hooked Up

Wanna connect to Canada's largest, fastest network with the company you love? Virgin Mobile's new phones and products are available nationwide at The Source locations, Virgin Mobile retail stores and online at the new and improved virginmobile.ca. Select Virgin Mobile phones will also be available at other Virgin Mobile retail partners including Best Buy, Future Shop and Wireless Wave.

About Virgin Mobile Canada

The Virgin Mobile group of companies has attracted more than 13.8 million customers worldwide. As the No. 1 mobile youth network, Virgin Mobile Canada's mission is to be Canada's most loved mobile company with the hottest phones and plans on the hottest network. Its plans with extra for no extra make it easy for members to find the perfect plan for them to connect to e-mail, social networks, texting and GPS navigation with the smartest phones and mobile Internet products. Virgin Mobile members also get access to the hottest events, global roaming and the best customer service. J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study has awarded Virgin Mobile "Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Prepaid Wireless Service, Five Years in a Row"(1) and it has ranked Virgin Mobile "Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Postpaid Wireless Service"(2). 91% of customers would also recommend Virgin Mobile to a friend.

Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 4,000 locations nationally including The Source, Virgin Mobile retail locations and additional retails partners. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online at www.virginmobile.ca or by calling 1-888-999-2321. Get personal with Virgin Mobile Canada on Facebook at facebook.com/virginmobilecan and Twitter at twitter.com/virginmobilecan.

    
    --------------------
    (1) J.D. Power and Associates 2005-2009 Canadian Wireless Customer
        Satisfaction Studies(SM). Study based on 15,207 total responses from
        consumers with prepaid wireless service, measuring 5 wireless service
        providers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and
        perceptions of consumers surveyed in October 2009. www.jdpower.com

    (2) J.D. Power and Associates 2005-2009 Canadian Wireless Customer
        Satisfaction Studies(SM). Study based on 15,207 total responses from
        consumers with postpaid wireless service, measuring 9 wireless
        service providers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences
        and perceptions of consumers surveyed in October 2009.
        www.jdpower.com
    

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Kayla Rochkin, Hill & Knowlton Canada, [phone], [email protected]; Erica Faltous, Virgin Mobile Canada, [phone], [phone], [email protected]