Da-Chief
03-02-2010, 16:00
http://i.dslr.net/urls/67/48267.gif (http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Helio-Finally-Dies-107151)
Helio is a Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) co-founded by Earthlink and SK Telecom in 2006, which over time developed a nasty habit of burning through money (more than $700 million) without a whole lot to show for it. Earthlink started backing away from Helio back in 2007 (http://www.corpsman.com/shownews/87773), finally admitting to themselves that the outfit was simply a money drain. In mid 2008, Earthlink sold Helio to Virgin Mobile for $39 million. In 2009, Sprint announced that they'd acquired Virgin Mobile for $483 million.
Virgin Mobile and Sprint started informing media outlets and customers that they're shuttering the Helio postpaid service for good on May 25th (note: Virgin Mobile prepaid service is not impacted). The 86,000 current Helio users won't be migrated to Sprint automatically, according to Virgin Mobile. They will however be offered a $50 Sprint credit if they sign a two-year contract, according to the company:Current postpaid customers are being given $50 towards the purchase of a Sprint postpaid handset with a new two-year agreement. This credit is in addition to any applicable rebates that may apply. Postpaid customers moving from Virgin Mobile to Sprint will also receive $150 off of handsets as part of Sprint s standing new customer offer. Activation fees will also be waived.
Helio came, it bled money all over the upholstery, and then faded out into that dark telecom night. Goodnight, Helio.
More... (http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Helio-Finally-Dies-107151)
Helio is a Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) co-founded by Earthlink and SK Telecom in 2006, which over time developed a nasty habit of burning through money (more than $700 million) without a whole lot to show for it. Earthlink started backing away from Helio back in 2007 (http://www.corpsman.com/shownews/87773), finally admitting to themselves that the outfit was simply a money drain. In mid 2008, Earthlink sold Helio to Virgin Mobile for $39 million. In 2009, Sprint announced that they'd acquired Virgin Mobile for $483 million.
Virgin Mobile and Sprint started informing media outlets and customers that they're shuttering the Helio postpaid service for good on May 25th (note: Virgin Mobile prepaid service is not impacted). The 86,000 current Helio users won't be migrated to Sprint automatically, according to Virgin Mobile. They will however be offered a $50 Sprint credit if they sign a two-year contract, according to the company:Current postpaid customers are being given $50 towards the purchase of a Sprint postpaid handset with a new two-year agreement. This credit is in addition to any applicable rebates that may apply. Postpaid customers moving from Virgin Mobile to Sprint will also receive $150 off of handsets as part of Sprint s standing new customer offer. Activation fees will also be waived.
Helio came, it bled money all over the upholstery, and then faded out into that dark telecom night. Goodnight, Helio.
More... (http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Helio-Finally-Dies-107151)