Virgin Mobile Announces Slim Phone, No Contract

Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The saying "flat as a pancake" takes on a whole new meaning when used to describe the newest mobile phone from Virgin Mobile USA and UTStarcom Personal Communications. Named the SLICE, this trim bar-style handset is the thinnest cell phone currently available in the U.S. without a contract or an activation fee, measuring just 0.4" -- less than half an inch. The SLICE is available now at Virgin Mobile retail partners and will be available online at www.virginmobileusa.com as of November 2nd, at the "slim" price of $49.99.

"It's unbelievable that something as thin as a CD jewel case boasts both the latest in technology and an array of the industry's hottest mobile features," said Dan Schulman, chief executive officer, Virgin Mobile USA. "The SLICE's stylish design, slim profile and unique flat keypad, combined with Virgin Mobile's Pay As You Go wireless service, will make this an incredibly appealing handset for our youthful customer base." According to Virgin Mobile's own research, 33% of current cell phone users(1) say they want a thin design for their next mobile phone.

"SLICE is another example of UTStarcom's dedication to developing innovative mobile devices that are practical, fashionable and affordably priced," Philip Christopher, president of UTStarcom Personal Communications. "We believe this handset will be a popular gift to give this holiday season to teens and young adults." The SLICE comes pre-loaded with hot new games, including Midnight Pool Players Club and Platinum Solitaire Players Club, from Virgin Mobile. With a powerful Lithium Ion 900 mAh battery, continuous talk time for the SLICE is up to 230 minutes (3.8 hours), standby is up to 270 hours.

The SLICE measures 4.3" (h) x 1.8" (w) x 0.4" (d) and weighs only 2.3 ounces. The seamless keypad, which emits a bright blue backlight when pressed, makes text messaging a cinch.

With a built-in speakerphone for hands-free talking, the SLICE features a 1.5" 65K Color STN (128 x 128) color screen with 32 MB/8 MB (Flash/RAM) memory capacity that can hold up to 500 phone book entries. The SLICE also utilizes Qualcomm's CMX(TM)-enabled ringtones and screensavers, which supports popular audio (MIDI, QCP, MP3, MPD) and image (PNG, JPG, GIF, Animated GIF) formats. Virgin Mobile customers can download superphonic ringtones, games and screensavers.

Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online at www.virginmobileusa.com or by calling 888-322-1122.

(1) 2006 Virgin Mobile USA Market Segmentation Proprietary Study

SOURCE Virgin Mobile USA