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Virgin Mobile India Enters Data Devices Segment with Launch of vLink
IT News Online Staff
2009-07-02

Virgin Mobile has announced its entry into the data devices segment in India with the launch of vLink. The company said the sleek white colored device, priced at Rs. 2,100/-, is the first in the data devices segment to serve as a CDMA USB Modem and 1 GB data storage drive.

The vLink comes with all the drivers (no CD installation required) and one month free unlimited data usage. Virgin Mobile customers who do not want a cap on their data usage can now surf the Internet anywhere with the company's unlimited monthly data plan of Rs. 801/-.

Virgin Mobile said this is the most economical package available in the market offering a speed of up to 153 Kbps. vLink is aimed at meeting the wireless connectivity needs of Indian youth who own laptops as well as PCs.

M. A. Madhusudan, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Mobile India, said, "With 44% of the total Internet population in India within the age bracket of 19-24 years, the Web has become an integral part of our youth's lifestyle as they spend a significant amount of time online. As per industry estimates, out of the total PC sales in the country, 32% of the customers are still not connected to the Internet. Of the remaining 68%, only a small percentage has the flexibility of being mobile."

"vLink will offer instant connectivity on the move to the style conscious youth, be it students, professionals, SMBs or SOHOs. We have extended the functionality of a modem and clubbed it with data storage capability of up to 1 GB. It is a carry-along device that will allow users to access Internet anywhere as well as store their music, photos, videos, etc.," added Madhusudan.

Deval Parikh, Chief Officer, Handset, VAS and Procurement, Virgin Mobile India, said, "vLink comes with a starter kit of Rs. 99/-, which includes free unlimited promo data usage time of 30 days. We have launched two tariff plans for vLink: The Rs. 801/- monthly plan provides the user unlimited data usage per month, with no hidden costs or commitments. On purchase of vLink, the user gets the benefit of this plan for free in the first month of usage."

"In sync with Virgin Mobile's philosophy of offering flexibility to its consumers, the second plan of Rs. 349/- offers the user benefit of rolling over unused balance to the next month. This is the first unused balance roll over facility for data usage in the Indian market. This plan comes at a competitive 25p/min peak hour rate and a 13p/min off peak hour rate," added Parikh.