Virgin Mobile to buy Helio for $39 million in equity
By Paul Miller 
posted June 27th 2008 10:00AM
posted June 27th 2008 10:00AM
posted June 27th 2008 10:00AM
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hahahaha!!!
yes laughing all the way to the monolistic bank...this is one less choice for the consumer
You're right, it is. But Helio was like the Sidekick. It's fun for the first few days, till you realize that you're too old to be playing house.
But can I get out of my contract?
All I want to know.
No
care to elaborate tom? or someone else on the ME getting out of contract thingy
The ocean 2 will not change Virgin's fortunes. The price they paid was too high for Helio which only has at the very best a few hundred thousand members. That's assuming these are real numbers and not dead accounts still being billed. If I were a shareholder I'd be furious. Helio should have been allowed to go bankrupt. It was really acting bankrupt anyway. Then they could have bought the phones for basic price. The Ocean 2, as a former Ocean owner does not impress me when so many new phones on the market do as well and better.
Are you kidding me? Virgin paid $229 per subscriber. That's a bargain. The shareholders may get diluted somewhat, but they also gain a nice new chunk of subscribers for minimal cost.
Does anyone know if the merger will allow me out of my contract with Helio and the ETF?
Thanks for the TOS help!
Dear Engadget God,
Please let someone answer yes to this question with detailed instructions
signed,
your lovely engadgetier
UGH, in their membership terms under "Chapter 4 - Cancellations":
"In addition, Helio may transfer your service to another provider with appropriate notice."
I'm still gonna try...
Did Cingular let ATT customer out of their contracts? Did Sprint let Nextel Customers out of there contracts? Will Verizon let Alltel customers out of their contracts? I think you know the answer.
Actually, with the Cingular/AT&T merger, AT&T changed the TOS upon taking over and Cingular had in the original TOS that if the TOS changed, you had 30 days to leave and no EFT. I know. I took advantage.
Doesn't look like Helio has the same language in their Membership terms.
Sad to see Helio go but we better get a "Get out of ETF free" card...and I want my damn deposit back...
Besides a host of other issues, Virgin should consider nixing that terrible "felt marker handwriting" style of it's logo. It smacks of awful.
I called Helio and demanded to talk to a super, the kid transferred me and I asked what will happen to my contract, I told her (evelyn, who was very nice) I wouldn't want to be penelized for canceling my contract if this would happen buy the end of the month, she is going to escalate the question and I will know more later on this weekend hopefully. This came at a perfect time....3g Iphone!
Let me preface: I am a Helio subscriber.
1. No e-mail or letter yet. I'm sure I'll get one saring the "exciting news!"
2. Contract will probably roll over without changes to Virgin. This is what happened when other wireless brands got bought up
3. I actually like the Ocean despite a few interface quirks. Its no (new) iPhone, but it had 3g and gps a LONG time ago when these features were just speculation for the apple brand
I also just called and talked to the last dealer in my state who deals with Helio, he said we won't be able to get out of this contract without a termination fee unless they change something, so check your roaming charges, non now but virgin doesn't support free roaming. We need to get out of this contract when they merg, this is a good thing going sour.
From http://www.helio.com/page?p=virgin&
Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?
A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).
Well, crap!
So, wait... Virgin Mobile, with the "contract free" monthly plan and "contract free" pay as you go, from the very beginning... is now going to hold Helio users to their original contracts? What kind of crap is this?
That is totally BS! Not cool at all...
I guess the question is, will they change the current pricing? Change the feature list? If they don't have free roaming and we start getting charged for it, will that be a base for getting out without ETF?
I got into Helio because I have family in Korea that I talk to... This is gonna blow so bad...
Yeah, this blows. Well, I was gonna wait till this was all hashed out, but now this makes my iphone decision all the easier. I'm not staying on this sinking ship for another 10 months. Which is a shame, since I really kind of liked Helio.
Yeah I am going to complain until they waive the fee, and if they don't waive it, ill complain some more.
Nice job, gb! Thanks for doing the research that Engadget neglected to do. They should hire you.
I have less than a year in my original 2 year contract with Helio. As long as Virgin supports my hardware, the ocean, for at least a little while, I'm ok with this. All I want is a phone with qwerty, service for unlimited text/mail, and my choice of minutes. I like Helio in that I have minimal minutes but unlimited data. If Virgin can offer this, I'll probably stay. Can anyone say their provider has the same? I'm curious to know.
1. qwerty slider phone
2. able to store/play mp3/wma or video's
3. upload of camera pics to flickr
4. gps/google maps
5. opera mini or better
6. picture caller id/individual rings
7. integrated web search (ie, start typing and it automatically connects to web search such as wikipedia, amazon, google, etc)
8. I like my ocean, but something better looking would be nice, something sleek and sexy, perhaps?
9. stereo bluetooth (though for now, I prefer wired, until someone comes out with somthing NOT stupid looking)
10....wow, my ocean is actually pretty cool. I was only thinking of having a couple of these but ended up at 9
>_< i just got an email from helio....
HELIO + Virgin Mobile USA= J
Two great companies team up to bring you more.
HELIO and Virgin Mobile USA are teaming up to combine our strengths and deliver a better mobile experience. On June 27th Virgin Mobile USA announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire HELIO.
HELIO would gain access to Virgin Mobile USA’s extensive distribution network and broad customer base, while Virgin Mobile USA would gain access to HELIO’s exclusive, high-end devices and premium services. Both companies look forward to coming together to bring exciting prepaid and postpaid opportunities to their customers.
Q: What does this mean for current HELIO members? Can I still use my HELIO device, while keeping my HELIO service plan and number?
A: Current service plans will continue without interruption. HELIO members are at the center of this transaction and we’ll continue to bring them the innovative mobile services they’ve come to expect.
Q: Can new members still sign up for HELIO service?
A: Absolutely. HELIO will continue to offer exclusive, high-end devices and our innovative All-In plans.
Q: Will the HELIO brand be retained, or will everything migrate to Virgin Mobile USA?
A: Over time, we expect that all aspects of the customer experience will be integrated under the Virgin Mobile USA brand. Integration of the direct sales channel will begin immediately, and we expect that existing HELIO products and services will soon be offered through the Virgin Mobile USA website at www.virginmobileusa.com.
Q: So what’s next?
A: We’re excited by the possibilities our new, combined team offers. We have some big ideas, but as you can imagine, a little bit of housekeeping is in order before we share them. Stay tuned!
Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?
A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).
Just received a friendly E-mail From Helio [as a current customer] announcing what was going down. It makes it sound much more like a partnership than a buyout. Of course the big question is:
Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?
A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).
Grr...
In an email I just got from Helio:
Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?
A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).
And on their website:
http://www.helio.com/page?p=virgin&
For those that haven't checked email and those that are just interested:
HELIO + Virgin Mobile USA= :)
Two great companies team up to bring you more.
HELIO and Virgin Mobile USA are teaming up to combine our strengths and deliver a better mobile experience. On June 27th Virgin Mobile USA announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire HELIO.
HELIO would gain access to Virgin Mobile USA’s extensive distribution network and broad customer base, while Virgin Mobile USA would gain access to HELIO’s exclusive, high-end devices and premium services. Both companies look forward to coming together to bring exciting prepaid and postpaid opportunities to their customers.
Q: What does this mean for current HELIO members? Can I still use my HELIO device, while keeping my HELIO service plan and number?
A: Current service plans will continue without interruption. HELIO members are at the center of this transaction and we’ll continue to bring them the innovative mobile services they’ve come to expect.
Q: Can new members still sign up for HELIO service?
A: Absolutely. HELIO will continue to offer exclusive, high-end devices and our innovative All-In plans.
Q: Will the HELIO brand be retained, or will everything migrate to Virgin Mobile USA?
A: Over time, we expect that all aspects of the customer experience will be integrated under the Virgin Mobile USA brand. Integration of the direct sales channel will begin immediately, and we expect that existing HELIO products and services will soon be offered through the Virgin Mobile USA website at www.virginmobileusa.com.
Q: So what’s next?
A: We’re excited by the possibilities our new, combined team offers. We have some big ideas, but as you can imagine, a little bit of housekeeping is in order before we share them. Stay tuned!
Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?
A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).
-- Your friends at Helio
Man, I could've sworn I hit refresh...sorry for the repeat. :/
LOL i guess ill be paying the ETF >_<
any1 else thinking of switching
You signed a contract to Helio. You're informed there will be no changes to your service. So now you're going to cancel? I can see not renewing, maybe, but based on all the information presented, what are you basing the cancelling of your service on? Just curious.
I sure am thinking about it. The only drawback is that the iPhone 3g for the same service I have now (50 less minuets) is going to be around $40 MORE than helio. 30 data + 20 text + 50 for mins + taxes?
I wan't out of the contract but I can't afford to be :/
So can Helio customers switch from their current plans to one of Virgin Mobile's month-to-month plans?
no! i love the Helio...i really don't want virgin mobile ugh help god
Jason i'm lost as well. So many people say they want to jump ship and leave but nothing is changing besides the name of the carrier as far as we know. Someone let me know what is up. I see it as a god sent. helio just sold their products/knowlege and "semi"loyal fanbase to a company that should be able to market and release devices the way the ocean camp coulden't. Out with the old in with the new... As long as I get my Ocean 2 i'll be a happy camper. --Sent from my OCEAN
I like Helio.
I have to agree with those folks questioning the desire to jump ship. VM will continue the services and, as far as I understand it, backbones and network coverage will continue as they have before. Sure, the Helio brand is gonna eventually be replaced, but as a fan and owner of the Fin, I really don't want the iPhone, not to mention that no other carrier in my area offers anywhere near the data options that Helio offers for the price.
From Maine, to Idaho, to Hawaii - this small Fin has documented all my travels and allowed me to stay connected to friends in a way that no other provider would have been able to accomplish: geo-tagged pics, blogs, e-mail, IM, SMS, GPS, videos, and so much more... honestly, as long as they keep their service and pricing structure, I will most-definitely keep them until at least my contract renews.
It's a shame though, most of my friends were thinking of switching to Helio after they found out all that could be done with the service for the price, but this news has scared them away, given this indicates and confirms clear financial problems for the company. RIP Helio - I like you too! =)
Man I just don't know what to do. But since you all seem to know a lot more about this than I do I will ask...
I have been a virgin mobile user for years and I have always loved the prepay option. The phone I had, the slider sonic, did every thing I could ever want it to do but sadly it has died and now I have to find something new. But the phones on virgin suck, and so I started researching and found the ocean and now that is what I bought and I am waiting for it to get here. While I wait for the over night shipping (which has already been 3 days yet it still hasn't left the warehouse) I have done lots of research and now I don't know what to do. So many people seem to want to get out of their contracts with Helio and I am just getting into mine. And now I have seen rumors that the Ocean 2 will be on virgin so now I don't know what to do. I am worried I am going to get stuck with a contract then at Christmas time I will be able to get a better phone with the prepaid option. Any one want to comment and help me out? Thanks
Okay I used to have Helio but I cancelled my contract early and now I have Virgin..
Anyone know if I'll be able to use my old Helio phone (ocean) with my current virgin service?
im a helio heat luver to also with virgin mobile ill luv virgin to buy helio so i can switch my company to virgin mobile