5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Sprint’s Virgin Comeback Is Banking On iPhone Fever

By Diana Goovaerts | June 21, 2017

Sprint is finally kicking off a comeback bid for its Virgin Mobile brand, and is doing so in flashy style. Virgin is making its renewal debut with a $1 unlimited offer but in a twist, it seems an iPhone will be the only choice Virgin users have.

According to a Wednesday press release, Virgin Mobile will be the “first-ever, iPhone-only mobile carrier in the United States.” While that translates to tough luck for Android lovers, the carrier is (almost unsurprisingly) offering bottom-of-the-barrel pricing on its service. Customers who buy an iPhone and port their number to Virgin’s “Inner Circle” plan by July 31 will receive a full year of unlimited service for $1.

The offer is also available to current Virgin customers who upgrade to an iPhone, but Inner-Circle members will be eligible for perks including a round-trip ticket on Virgin Atlantic Airlines to the United Kingdom, a one-night stay at Virgin Hotels, up to 20 percent off Virgin America flights, and $170 off an introductory offer to the Virgin Wine’s Club.

“Virgin has always looked to shake things up and challenge the status quo in any sector we go into,” Virgin Group founder Richard Branson commented. “Mobile is no exception and with Virgin Mobile USA, we’ve now worked with Apple to create a compelling offer for our new Inner Circle plan. Simply put, when you buy an iPhone you will get the highest quality device and service plus access to an array of Virgin experiences and offers with our group of companies. I’m excited to share that we are changing the way you experience mobile.”

Service after the first year will bump up to $50 with AutoPay. While it comes with the “unlimited” moniker, Virgin notes in the fine print that video streams are “optimized” at 480p+ resolution, music at up to 500 Kbps, and gaming at 2 Mbps. Data deprioritization will also kick in for Virgin customers who use more than 23 GB a month when there’s congestion on the network.

The Inner Circle offer is open to customers who purchase an iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, or SE. Device pricing runs anywhere from $279 (iPhone SE) to $769.99 (iPhone 7 Plus). Virgin indicated its Inner Circle will offer “pre-loved” iPhones in the fall with a one-year, Apple-limited warranty.

That latter part was teased by Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure during a May investor conference when he indicated the carrier’s partnership with Brightstar would allow it to offer quality used devices to prepaid customers.

“We have some special relationships that we will announce, that will allow us to basically put those devices back into the hands of consumers who cannot afford that iconic device on the first around. I mean, if you look at the price of iconic devices today for prepaid, they go between $650 to $1,000, and prepaid customer traditionally doesn’t have that,” Claure said. “But a prepaid customer also wants to have the latest iconic (device)… The test that we have done is so far there is no limit to the market in terms of putting those refurbished or used devices back in the hands of the consumer in the U.S. market in our prepaid brands.”

Having said that, Virgin has a steep hill to climb in its quest to reenter the market in a significant way. AT&T’s Cricket brand and T-Mobile have been battling at the top of the prepaid pack. As of the last quarter, T-Mobile had a handy lead with 386,000 prepaid net additions to AT&T’s 282,000. Sprint trailed with 180,000 prepaid net adds, while Verizon lost 17,000 prepaid devices.


Filed Under: Carriers

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

eSIM
eSIM eases changing carriers for phones and IoT
QoE and QoS comparison
Benchmarking in 5G: More important than ever
iPhone 12
I bought a 5G phone, now what?
6G
Key takeaways from 6G Symposium

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World