Virtual carrier
Virgin Mobile South Africa
A virtual carrier (MVNO): it sells service on another carrier’s network, in South Africa.
About Virgin Mobile South Africa
Virgin Mobile South Africa (VMSA) was a virtual mobile network operator in South Africa. It launched in 2006 as a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and Cell C. Based in Johannesburg, the company developed a nationwide retail presence. In February 2011, Cell C sold its stake to Virgin Group and Calico Investments, leaving Virgin Group with controlling ownership. The company entered voluntary business rescue in November 2020. Customers were told in September 2021 that services would stop by the end of November, but all services had already stopped by 17 September 2021. The shutdown left customers without service. VMSA’s listed country is South Africa, and its type is virtual rather than a network operator with its own radio infrastructure.
Who it suits
This entry is for readers seeking background on Virgin Mobile South Africa as a former South African MVNO. It is not a current mobile service option because the listed services stopped in 2021.
Verdict
Virgin Mobile South Africa was a South African MVNO founded in 2006. Its operations ended in September 2021 after entering business rescue.
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