Virgin Mobile to launch Polish MVNO

The Virgin Mobile brand is set to launch in Poland as entrepreneur Richard Branson’s firm eyes growth in the Central and Eastern Europe mobile markets.

Virgin had formed a holding company, Virgin Mobile Central and Eastern Europe (VMCEE), in 2011 with a team of experienced telecom investors, and former Virgin Mobile and Lebara executives.  The firm is looking to launch an MVNO initially in Poland, in order to provide a platform to build on in the region, and is eyeing rapid growth across the rest of it as the mobile markets mature and the regulatory systems evolve. 

Virgin Mobile already runs an MVNO in eight markets, including the UK, Australia, Canada, France, India, Chile, South Africa and the USA. VMCEE said it will build on the global knowledge and proven business formula of the existing MVNO business and also hopes to benefit from having common founding shareholders with Virgin Mobile Latin America (VMLA) and Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa (VMMEA).

“I look for opportunities where we can offer something better, fresher and more valuable,” said Virgin CEO Branson. “The Polish consumer will benefit from Virgin’s entry into the market; creating competition, providing great customer service, value for money and transparent pricing.”