7-Eleven’s MVNO arrives in Singapore

While some mobile virtual network operators are switching off the lights, others seem to be thriving – and globally at that. After seeing success in the United States and Canada, 7-Eleven Inc. is expanding its proprietary prepaid wireless program, 7-Eleven SpeakOut Wireless, to Asia.
The company will launch 7-Connect in 400 7-Eleven stores in Singapore. 7-Eleven officials said the 7-Connect program will feature free nights and weekends, and uses the 3G network services of M1, a Singapore mobile service provider.
The 7-Connect prepaid “Free Nights and Weekends” plan will also offer rates as low as 8 cents per minutes, 5 cent local two-way text messaging, 15 cent global two-way text messaging, free caller ID, voicemail, call-waiting and conference calling, the ability to carry forward unused minutes, for $30 per month.
7-Eleven’s Speak Out Wireless program is a prepaid option that launched on then-Cingular WirelessL.L.C.’s (now AT&T Mobility) network. The program offers service on a number of Nokia Corp. handsets.
The retailer’s announcement may come as a shocker to those tuned in to the MVNO world. Many mobile virtual network operators are suffering, closing or have closed already. Virgin Mobile USA Inc., however, is another MVNO that’s digging its heels into the ground. The company recently bought struggling MVNO Helio L.L.C., and launched an all-you-can-eat plan for $80 per month.