Released: 15/10/2008
com:20081015:RnsO8398F
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RNS Number : 8398F
Spiritel PLC
15 October 2008
For release 07.00, 15 October 2008
SPIRITEL PLC
("SpiriTel" or "the Group")
118 918 WINS INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORIES AWARD
Virgin Mobile DQ service provided by SpiriTel is named Best Newcomer
SpiriTel plc, (AIM:STP), the business communications service provider, is
pleased to announce that Virgin Mobile's 118 918 Directory Enquiry ("DQ")
service, provided and managed by SpiriTel has won 'Best Newcomer' at the
International Directories Awards.
Using SpiriTel's UK-based managed DQ service, Virgin Mobile launched 118 918 as
part of its Social Investment Programme. Users of the service are charged the
same amount or less than calls to most other UK 118 numbers, however, Virgin
Mobile do not make any profit from calls made to their 118 918 number. Instead,
20 pence from every call is given to charity. The service is promoted to Virgin
Mobile's four million customers, but can also be called from any mobile or fixed
line provider where the network operator allows access.
The service managed by SpiriTel's Technologies Division was launched by Richard
Branson and SpiriTel's Alastair Mills in November 2007. 118 918 is cheaper than
the services from 118 118, BT's 118 500 and Yell's 118 247; none of which
provide a charitable donation. It is the only not for profit DQ service in the
UK. Funds raised go to two charities: The Foyer and The Kids Company.
118 918 was a finalist in three categories at the Las Vegas award ceremony: Best
Mobile, Best European Service and Best Newcomer.
Commenting on the award win, Richard Branson said: "I am absolutely delighted
that 118 918 has been recognised in this way. I love the service, all my kids
love the service, all our friends love the service, and the fact that it helps
Foyer and Kids Company continue to do their great work is just brilliant."
Alastair Mills, Chief Executive of SpiriTel said: "I am thrilled that 118 918
has received this international recognition. When I had the idea for the
service, I looked long and hard for a partner which had a substantial
international brand capable of generating significant call volumes. Virgin
Mobile's enthusiasm in adopting the service as their own, in order to raise
funds for two fantastic charities has been highly gratifying."
He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all 118 users in
the UK to use 118 918, which probably won't cost them any more than their usual
service, but each call will generate a donation to a good cause."
For further information please visit www.SpiriTelplc.com or contact:
SpiriTel plc Tavistock Communications Daniel Stewart & Co.
Alastair Mills Simon Hudson Simon Leathers
Chief Executive Clemmie Carr Stewart Dick
Tel: +44 20 7160 0100 Tel: +44 20 7920 3150 Tel: 020 7776 6550
Notes to Editors
SpiriTel is a fully integrated business communications group which enables its
customers to take advantage of the opportunities created by rapidly changing
telecoms markets as the migration to Internet Protocol (IP) based services
accelerates. The Group is a consolidator of the highly fragmented UK telecoms
reseller market and is building a substantial customer base and scale through
selective acquisitions. We are organised into two divisions: SpiriTel
Technologies, which focuses on IP networking and wholesale voice services; and
SpiriTel Business, which provides a full range of voice and data services
directly to our Business customers.
SpiriTel offers fixed and mobile voice and data communications solutions
including Voice over IP (VoIP), data networking, telephone systems and ISP
services to a rapidly expanding customer base. We are a leader in the provision
of new, but proven, VoIP solutions that are firmly based on the old-fashioned
service values which run throughout the Group.
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile is the UK's largest mobile virtual network operator and uses
T-Mobile's network. Since its launch in November 1999, Virgin Mobile has
attracted more than four million customers. Virgin Mobile is part of Virgin
Media. The first company to be able to offer `Quadplay' services to customers
comprising of landline, TV, mobile and broadband.
The Charities
The two charities which the money from the calls made to 118 918 go to are as
follows:
Kids Company is a London-based charity that offers practical, emotional and
educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people. This
Christmas, they are expecting around 800 kids to drop in for lunch on Christmas
Day and Virgin Mobile's customers donations will help to ensure they're ready to
cater a festive meal to remember. www.kidsco.org.uk
Foyers enable young people at risk to escape the 'no home-no job-no home' cycle
by delivering a holistic service that integrates accommodation with training,
job search, personal support and motivation. Since launching in 1992, the UK
Foyer network has grown to over 130 local Foyers supporting more than 10,000
homeless 16 to 25 year-olds each year, giving them a chance to realise their
full potential.
Each Foyer is independent, but together they form a national network, connected
through the Foyer Accreditation Scheme, training that leads to national
qualifications, and the development of innovative national projects that are
delivered by local Foyers. www.foyer.net
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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