In response to the economic slowdown, Virgin Mobile USA has unveiled new prepaid calling plans and will support customers who become unemployed.

Customers signing up for the new $49.99 plan or other Virgin Mobile Monthly Plans Without Annual Contracts may qualify for "Pink Slip Protection," which will waive up to three months of monthly charges, if the customer becomes unemployed. Pink Slip Protection will also apply to the new Texter's Delight program, designed for those who text more than talk.

"The strategy is to provide the best, most comprehensive package of offers we can, giving customers maximum flexibility," said Corinne Nosal, spokeswoman for Virgin Mobile, New York. "We did not simply introduce a $50 plan; we laid out an entire suite of offers to help people tailor their wireless spend to fit their needs and usage.

"The $50 plan is a solid one that comes with important support like award winning customer service, an affordable and extensive lineup of handsets, 3G network, easy-to-find top-up cards and cool mobile data services," she said.

Last year, Virgin Mobile USA launched one of the lowest-priced unlimited nationwide calling plans.

Now, that same offer of no-annual-contract unlimited calling, anytime, anywhere in the United States is available for $49.99.

Virgin Mobile USA's plans are payable with cash or credit/debit, have no activation fees and no long distance or roaming charges.

"Did you know that hundreds of thousands of our customers change their plans each month," Ms. Nosal said. "That's how we know that flexibility is critical.

"Not everyone can afford $50 a month, every month," she said. "So we have other options."
With texting continuing to grow in popularity, Virgin Mobile USA is also introducing the only nationwide prepaid plan designed specifically for heavy texters."

The new plans offer 1000 Messages for just $14.99 or Unlimited Text and Messaging for $19.99.

New customers choosing Virgin Mobile USA's new Monthly Plans Without Annual Contracts will automatically be enrolled in the Pink Slip Protection program.

Once a customer has been with Virgin Mobile for at least two months on a Monthly Plan, and then loses his/her job and becomes eligible for state unemployment benefits within the next 12 months, Virgin Mobile USA will step in with Pink Slip Protection and cover the cost of the monthly plan including taxes and surcharges for up to three months.

Proof of eligibility for state unemployment benefits will be required.

Current prepaid Monthly Plan customers will have an open enrollment period through June 30. In order to apply for Pink Slip Protection, one must be a Virgin Mobile USA Monthly Plan customer for at least two consecutive months. Customers activating on the new Texter's Delight monthly plans are also eligible for Pink Slip Protection.

"The launch of this new suite of offerings and the Pink Slip Protection program has been designed to help out our prepaid customers during these challenging economic times," Ms. Nosal said. "We are aware that our customer base has been particularly affected and are cutting back in many ways including their wireless cell phone usage.

"This tough economy tends to hit our customer [60 percent of Virgin Mobile USA's prepaid customers have a household income below $50,000] so we know that more than ever the flexibility that Virgin Mobile offers is key," she said.