•    Uses the Optus network, which covers 97% of Australians
•    MVNO - Mobile Virtual Network operator, which means it does not have its own network
•    3G network on a 2100MHz frequency

Virgin Mobile, a relative newcomer to the Australian mobile market, launched in 2000.
With a focus on customer service and fairness, the company does surprisingly well on Roy Morgan research polls for customer satisfaction, despite operating at the budget end of the market.

Pros

Uses the Optus mobile network which offers good coverage through most of Australia
High levels of customer satisfaction compared to other telcos
Free Virgin-to-Virgin calls in Australia

Cons

Coverage is not as comprehensive as Telstra

History

Virgin is a global company with eclectic tastes. Ventures range from entertainment to space flight and appear to have little in common. However, the branding is always the same: trading on great customer service and innovative products. In 2000, Virgin Mobile UK and Optus launched Virgin Mobile Australia as a 50:50 joint venture, as the first Mobile Virtual network operator (MVNO).

In 2006, Optus bought out Virgin UK for $30 million and Virgin Mobile Australia became a subsidiary of Optus. As part of the deal, Virgin granted Optus a 15-year licence to use the brand.


Marketplace

One million customers in Australia, engaging in a range of Virgin branded special offers and member benefits.

Future plans and development

Although Optus owns the brand, the service has retained its strong identity with clever marketing and innovative plans. In 2011, Virgin Mobile launched its 'Fair Go' campaign to highlight fairness in the mobile market and continues to offer cheap plans with low-cost call and SMS rates. Optus has licensed the Virgin Mobile brand until 2021, so expect them to continue expanding their customer base in Australia.