NEW YORK-XE Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator which aims to serve the under-25 market, has introduced its pay-as-you-go wireless service.
According to the XE Mobile Web site, the service offers eight handsets from Motorola Inc. and Nokia Corp., ranging in price from the $20 Motorola C139 to $200 for a Moto Razr.
Rate plans include an a la carte option which charges 20 cents per minute for incoming and outgoing calls and 10 cents for outgoing text messages. Other options include the “medium” plan, which charges 10 cents per minute for incoming calls, 15 cents for outgoing calls and 10 cents for each sent text message when the user pays an access fee of 50 cents per day; it includes 100 free incoming minutes every 30 days. The “large” plan charges a $1 per day access fee when the phone is used, with all calls costing 10 cents per minute and outgoing text messages charged at 10 cents; plus 250 free incoming minutes every 30 days. All the plans include free incoming text messages.
The company’s service runs on Cingular Wireless L.L.C.’s network. XE also plans to sell SIM cards so that its service can be used on unlocked GSM phones, according to the company’s Web site.
The service includes free membership in a discount program for student with the XE Club Card. XE Mobile says that the membership, valued at $40, provides discounts of up to 50 percent at companies such as Armani Exchange, Urban Outfitters, Barnes & Nobile, Greyhound, Foot Locker, Microsoft Corp. and Target.com.
