Welcome!

Wireless Authors: Adrian Bridgwater, RealWire News Distribution, Randy Roberts, Bob Gourley, Kevin Benedict

News Feed Item

Ultra Mobile Provides Progress Update on Internationally Focused Offerings

Ultra Mobile, a wireless phone and mobile money platform focused on the frequent international caller, today provides an update on its progress in building a brand with immigrant communities in the U.S. since its launch on October 30, 2012. Ultra offers the only monthly unlimited voice, text and data plans that include up to 2,000 minutes of international call time and free international texting as well as Call Me Free, a unique Ultra feature with all plans enabling customers’ families abroad to call them for free.

"Customers in the U.S. with family and friends in more than 200 countries have ‘made their life Ultra,’” began David Glickman, CEO of Ultra Mobile, “by subscribing to our plans and connecting with their loved ones abroad for less money and with no hassles. We have listened to our customers, retailers, and agents and quickly adapted our plans to meet their needs. Our growth figures show we are succeeding. The response to our international offerings has been overwhelming and the feedback from customers who are now closer than ever to loved ones abroad is heartwarming. These factors keep us motivated to continue innovating and sweetening our services.”

Specific international milestones achieved thus far include:

  • 350% growth in average daily international calling since the start of the year
  • Strong adoption of its international features with 66% of subscribers making or receiving an international call or text in February 2013
  • No excessive usage policy related to “unlimited” international calls that aren’t truly unlimited
  • Ultra subscribers called or texted to more than 200 countries last month illustrating its extremely diverse customer base; its top 20 markets span five continents.

Ultra Mobile is replacing the antiquated world of international calling cards and inconvenience of non-direct international dialing or texting add-ons with plans and services that cater to immigrant communities. A key element of the company's strategy is to reach customers cost effectively by selling through dealers who are knowledgeable, local and speak the customers' language. The company reports that its subscribers are grateful for the one-on-one service by industry experts, while its retailers appreciate Ultra's generous commissions and product upgrades.

Product enhancements since launch include:

  • Introduction of a $59/month plan that includes 2 GB of 4G data and $20 of direct-dial international credits
  • Addition of 50MB of data at 4G speeds to its $29/month plan
  • Significant reductions on international rates giving subscribers up to 2,000 minutes of included direct dial-talk time.

Retail adoption has continued its rapid pace since pre-launch, specifically:

  • Significant expansion of Ultra Mobile distribution to 70,000-plus locations nationwide
  • Activations in 43 states and Puerto Rico, with a significant presence in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Texas.

In addition, Ultra outlined initiatives underway in its focused urban markets, where it is making excellent progress in expanding its customer base and retail presence. Its corporate initiatives underway include:

  • Upcoming launch of a flexible usage plan that incorporates PAYGO elements
  • Forging of a financial institution alliance for the release of its mobile money product later in the year
  • Negotiation of potential global roaming agreements to sweeten Ultra’s already best-in-class offering
  • Further expansion of Call Me Free local access codes so that customers’ families in more cities abroad are able to call them for free
  • Development of other product features and plan choices based on subscriber feedback
  • Enhanced customer service and improved ease of use for re-upping
  • Additional programs to support and motivate Ultra retailers that have been loyal to the brand.

ABOUT ULTRA MOBILE

Based in New York and Los Angeles, Ultra Mobile develops wireless phone and mobile money solutions to improve the quality of life for its customers. The company’s mission is to provide convenient and affordable services that connect individuals with their extended families and friends living around the world. As the first nationwide MVNO with inexpensive international direct-calling options, the company launched its initial offering, the only voice, text and 4G data mobile phone service enabling consumers to make direct international calls from their own cell phones on a high-quality GSM network for as little as one cent a minute. Prior to launch, Ultra Mobile sold more than 400,000 SIM cards that are being distributed to stores around the country. The company will unveil its mobile money solutions in 2013. Ultra Mobile’s management team are telecom innovators and advocates supporting social equity in telecommunications. Learn why everyone’s talking about Ultra Mobile at Ultra.me and follow the company on social media at Facebook.com/AskUltra and Twitter.com/AskUltra.

More Stories By Business Wire

Copyright © 2009 Business Wire. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Business Wire content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Business Wire. Business Wire shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.