Virgin Mobile Sets Sights on Dealers

Virgin Mobile USA is fixing its sights on the agent channel.

The MVNO, which uses the Sprint Nextel network, on Wednesday signed a deal with master agent American Wireless, whose dealers now can sell Virgin handsets and no-contract plans.

“Virgin Mobile is really doing a great job with big boxes – Best Buy, Target and the like – and they’re trying to penetrate the agent channel,” said Bill Bourke, vice president of sales for American Wireless.

Bourke couldn’t discuss compensation structures, but did say American Wireless will run some incentives and promotions that will benefit dealers. He also said the Virgin Mobile deal will help partners on the East Coast, where prepaid plans are less prevalent than in other parts of the country.

Virgin Mobile plans include features such as roll-forward minutes; no roaming or activation fees; and unlimited text and messaging. Dealers can offer four different handsets: the Kyocera Marbl, the Flare by LG, the Kyocera Cyclops and the Kyocera Wild Card.

Virgin Mobile has earned high customer satisfaction marks and Bourke said those achievements are part of why the companies have teamed.

“The prepaid wireless market has become very competitive and customer satisfaction is a key differentiator,” Bourke said in a news release. “We believe the addition of Virgin Mobile USA to our line-up of wireless prepaid products is a big win for our dealers and customers.”

American Wireless is one of the largest master agents in the United States.