Virgin Mobile bids to go global

Virgin Mobile is reported to be in talks with various international telcos in a bid to scupper Orange's attempts to be the first major global mobile operator.

According to a report in yesterday's Observer, Virgin is in talks with Deutsche Telekom, NTT of Japan, and three US operators - MCI Worldcom, Bell Atlantic and SBC Ameritech. The potential deals are estimated to be worth over $2bn.

The report said that Virgin planned to invest £200m in global ventures as part of a strategy to expand internationally over the next three years.

Sir Richard Branson - speaking to the UK Sunday newspaper - stated his desire to beat Orange as the first global mobile company. He conceded that Orange had a considerable headstart.

Steven Day, head of media relations at Virgin Mobile, told silicon.com that the deal with NTT should be finalized within the next few months, followed by a venture in China next year. He added that talks with Deutsche Telekom were still in early stages.

He described the rumoured tie-ups with the American companies as "purely speculation", but added: "America is a very good market for Virgin. It is a brand name that is recognizable there."

The news follows Virgin's recent $1bn deal with Singapore mobile operator, Sing Tel Mobile.