Virgin Mobile USA Adds ‘Sparc’ to Affordable, Stylish No-Contract Phone Lineup

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July 8, 2008

WARREN, N.J., July 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Virgin Mobile USA announced its newest handset for 2008, the UTStarcom Arc. A flip phone outlined with stylish curves, the Arc is finished in a trendsetting red soft-feel touch. This affordable mobile phone, which includes Bluetooth(R) wireless technology and a camera, brings another cost-effective and attractive product to Virgin Mobile USA’s lineup, offering its millions of customers yet another desirable handset available without an annual contract. (Photo: ) (Logo: )A recent survey of Virgin Mobile USA customers finds that two-thirds prefer simple phones that support basic needs, including calling, Bluetooth(R) wireless technology, e-mail and messaging capabilities.* The Arc was designed for consumers who want a phone for what it does best — making and receiving calls and instant messages.According to Matias Monges, Virgin Mobile USA’s Director of Mobile Devices, “The Arc offers a very reasonably priced camera phone with a fashion- conscious finish for consumers who want to capture spontaneous moments with a little style. And with Bluetooth(R) wireless technology, we’re sweetening the deal with additional value.”The ARC gives Virgin Mobile USA customers access to a variety of calling and messaging plans without annual contracts, including the recently introduced Totally Unlimited voice plan that provides unlimited calling for $79.99 without roaming charges, activation fees or a two-year commitment.Here are a few more things ARC can brag about:– Small and compact, this clamshell phone is 3.6″ x 1.9″ x 0.8″ — the perfect size to slip into a bag or pocket, weighing in at only 3.0 oz. without causing any unsightly bulges!– ARC is designed by UTStarcom, and priced at a reasonable $49.99, with a VGA camera, mobile web browsing, IM and e-mail.– Preloaded games provide entertainment, while a range of animated and Real Music ringtones are there to amuse … or annoy.– ARC also comes with the enhanced Virgin Mobile USA user interface for a slightly cooler look and feel than the average ‘lump of phone.’– 210 minutes of talk time, 14.5 days of standby time, and room for 500 contacts make this the perfect phone for the socially connected.About UTSTARCOMUTStarcom is a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its broadband, wireless, and handset solutions to operators in both emerging and established telecommunications markets around the world. UTStarcom enables its customers to rapidly deploy revenue-generating access services using their existing infrastructure, while providing a migration path to cost-efficient, end-to-end IP networks. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and development operations in the United States, Canada, China, Korea and India. For more information about UTStarcom, visit the company’s Web site at .About Virgin Mobile USA, Inc.Virgin Mobile USA [NYSE: VM], through its operating company Virgin Mobile USA, L.P., offers millions of customers control, flexibility and choice through monthly Plans Without Annual Contracts, with national coverage powered by the Sprint PCS Network. Virgin Mobile USA’s full slate of smart, stylish and affordable handsets, including the Wild Card, Slash and Flare, are available at approximately 40,000 top retailers nationwide and online at , with Top-Up cards available at more than 140,000 locations. J.D. Power and Associates ranked Virgin Mobile USA highest in customer satisfaction among wireless prepaid services in both 2006 and 2007, and its customers report a 90% satisfaction rate.Virgin Mobile USA allows customers to earn free minutes in exchange for viewing advertising content online through the innovative Sugar Mama program; and contributes a portion of profits from downloadable content to The RE*Generation, its pro-social initiative to help homeless youth.Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Bluetooth trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.*MSI, Interviews with 800 Virgin Mobile USA customers, 1Q08 Virgin Mobile USA

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