24 June 2002

One.Tel launches low-cost MVNO in UK with Vodafone Line rental for a fiver a month plus low call charges. Early coverage: Guardian: Centrica sets up mobile deal and Wireless Week: Vodafone venture allows One.Tel to offer cheap subscription service, and the press release. Voice portal services are branded Purple Duck. Original announcement and commentary in April 2000: ZD: Centrica signs mobile phone deal with Vodafone and FT: Utilities and Telecoms: Agile companies cross boundaries. 10:20:07 AM     comments

Virgin Mobile USA launches first MVNO in US Bevocal and Screaming Media provide the voice-driven services. Full US rollout by Aug. Commenting on the VirginMobile USA business model, CEO Dan Schulman uses a questionable turn of phrase: "So really, the youth market is about half as penetrated as the rest of the marketplace". 8:28:26 AM     comments

First results on mobile phone emissions Researchers say change to brain cells: yes, safety issue: undecided. 8:19:20 AM     comments