Virgin Mobile: okay, yeah, we're talking to SK Telecom

Looks like Virgin Mobile USA and Helio parent SK Telecom didn't bother to get their stories straight before turning to the press over recent rumors that they've been talking marriage. Right on the heels of an SKT statement that talks of a Virgin Mobile takeover were "groundless," Virgin Mobile has come out with a super-brief statement saying something quite to the contrary -- that the two are, in fact, in "preliminary discussions" over "possible strategic opportunities." That's about as vague and unhelpful as it gets -- a level of vagueness that's really only saved for situations where something big is about to go down, actually. The MVNO goes on to say that it's gonna stay mum on the subject at this point unless "a definitive agreement is reached," but at least we know they're chatting.

[Via mocoNews]

[Flashpoint @ May 14th 2008 12:44PM]

LOL, HELIO STILL EXISTS?

Haven't heard that name in ages.

That's what happens when you release a piece of crap whose soul niche is connecting to myspace

[Marin Perez @ May 14th 2008 12:56PM]

Helio's not too bad - all you can eat at $90 with a great hardware like the Ocean. Too bad it'll prolly go under in a few months. Ah well, hopefully they'll waive the early termination fee and I'll be a cell phone free agent. iPhone 3G, Blackberry Bold, Tilt, oh the possibilities

[bpm20000 @ May 14th 2008 1:39PM]

SOLE niche connecting to myspace? Come back and comment when you get a clue.

I have Helio and I've used the Myspace (and Youtube for that matter) application less times than I've got fingers.

Its about full-featured phones, solid data/voice rates. If they could get their shit together as far as fixing bugs and addressing some user nitpicks (no multitasking, laggy UI, customer service, etc) they would really go a long way.

Still, if they don't impress with their next oz2 I am jumping ship.

[Jim @ May 14th 2008 1:55PM]

How would this combination w/ Virgin affect current subscribers? I'm a Helio user and w/ only 1 year done w/ my contract, I'm getting cagey and would like to jump ship to an iPhone if they release a 32GB version in the next few months. Would Helio cease to exist? Would I be able to get out of my contract w/out paying the $175 (non-proratable) ETF? Thanks.

[Andre @ May 14th 2008 2:28PM]

No you wont be able to get out of the contract... the way its rumored to go down (correct me if I mixed it up) SKT is supposed to poor money into VMUSA and then get stock into the VIRGIN group for it so based on the rumor I'm pretty sure Virgin will prob bring its name over (at least ppl no it still exists haha) and itl prob be used to offer a more complete service of high end phones + pre-paid and both models should be left basically the same just under 1 company with a couple extra millions in the bank more reatialers, more phones, more phone plans, and prob a consolidated managment

[Marty @ May 14th 2008 3:00PM]

Hmmm... confusing, unknowledgable... sounds about right.

The Helio Ocean was a great phone... when it worked. Between defects in the phone itself and the crappy Sprint signals (or lack thereof), I couldn't bear to stay with them. I give them props for having a 30-day money back guarantee (even if it did take 4 months to get my money back). They were also one of the first to have all-you-can-eat plans.

Helio was doomed, not by their design, but by the partners they chose.

[bard @ May 14th 2008 7:42PM]

It seems as if SK Telecom is in alot more hurt than they're letting on. They're damned lucky to have a brand like Virgin Corp. taking interest. Although, I think that Virgin was honest in the first release saying that they weren't interested, but perhaps were socially pushed by SK Tele insisting that there was an offer in the works. Either way, if the buyout does happen it will either be a bookeeping-only affair or Helio will get totaly absorbed into the Anglo company.

Besides, it's not the English way to air all personal affairs and potential engagements without first asking the father for his blessing. Geez..... some cultures just don't *get* it....