Is Cell C planning on offloading Virgin Mobile?

As a new entrant, Virgin Mobile didn't bring anything significantly different or cheaper to the tables as compared to Vodacom, MTN and Cell C. That is why they have failed, miserably. Also, partnering with Cell C, who at the time had no 3G/HSDPA or any plans for it, and then trying to target LSM 8-10 is a big fail in my opinion. High-end customers want high-end services, and EDGE just doesn't cut it.

I think Cell C should instead buy out the rest of Virgin Mobile, disolve the Virgin Mobile brand, and absorb the customers into the Cell C brand. It's no use losing the +- 300,000 subscribers they worked so hard to gain, and pumped so much money into.
 
Virgin Mobile can be turned round if they play the cards right in the data market that Cell C is planning to introduce. The are various ways in which virgin mobile can differentiate itself - you can do it Cell C and Virgin Mobile, forget about negative publicity - fly.
 
While this is an entertaining read, is there any proof or evidence that Cell C is looking to "offload" VMSA? Seems like pure speculation (on the part of the author) - especially for a headline article on the site...
 
vzta22 said:
Virgin Mobile can be turned round if they play the cards right in the data market that Cell C is planning to introduce. The are various ways in which virgin mobile can differentiate itself - you can do it Cell C and Virgin Mobile, forget about negative publicity - fly.
Click to expand...

I disagree. The publicity surrounding the Virgin Mobile brand is way too bad for it to ever be turned around. I think Cell C have realised this, and that's why they want to distance themselves of it. The VM brand is a complete fail IMO. Dissolving it and then absorbing it into Cell C is the best solution IMO, but I think Cell C don't have the cash to buy out the other 50%, and would rather spend the money or it's network and HSPA+ investment.
 
vzta22 said:
Virgin Mobile can be turned round if they play the cards right in the data market that Cell C is planning to introduce. The are various ways in which virgin mobile can differentiate itself - you can do it Cell C and Virgin Mobile, forget about negative publicity - fly.
Click to expand...

You are right, the Virgin brand still has some customer loyalty in SA... the only thing is that the management do not look at opportunities given to them....i think they're too comfy in their chairs...

They should listen to the people, and offer them what they want. They have a certain market segment covered, and they just don't realise it!!!
 
No brand is too bad to ever be turned around - quitters are/maybe losers. With the right management and attitude, anything is possible! Apple (perhaps not a good example) went through brand erosion. Look where they are now after it was realised that Steve Jobs was the best man for the job afterall.
 
Last edited:
I heard that Blue Label bought VM? Dont see the sense in that. Wonder how Blue Label shareholders would feel about it?
 
The company has failed to capitalize on its strong international brand, and has forced Cell C to go after the high-end market themselves.

It is well known that Virgin Mobile has cost Cell C a bag full of money, and that Cell C is already not in the best financial shape.
Click to expand...

Isn't it equally true that Cell C made it impossible for Virgin Mobile to attract high-end customers because Cell C does not have a data network capable of shifting data at half decent speeds?

How much money has Cell C cost Virgin Mobile due to not offering 3G services?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X