Mobile Virtual Network Operator Lebara Mobile has launched a mobile portal with nationally-focused sites in multiple languages. To celebrate the launch, the company is offering customers free mobile Internet browsing for the first three months.
The portal provides the latest news, sport and entertainment information, and helps customers access the wider mobile web via Google search and quick links to sites including Facebook, MySpace and Hotmail. At launch, there are six sites, focusing on the Indian, Pakistani, Arabic, Nigerian, Polish and Filipino communities, available in English and Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, English, Polish and Filipino respectively.
The portal is also host to thousands of downloads sourced from customers home countries, including  games in different languages, and ringtones and wallpapers from local artists. The price quoted for each download includes data transfer charges.
The new services are now available to all Lebara UK customers with mobile Internet-capable handsets. Lebara is offering free browsing as part of the launch promotion until 30 June, up to 10MB per day. The normal daily rate is 50p per day, but the uk.lebara.mobi portal will continue to be free to use after the promotion.
To millions of customers around the world, Lebara is seen as leading the way in providing services which bring them closer to their friends, family and community. The launch of our mobile portal and downloads further emphasises our commitment to this goal, says Lebara CEO, Yoganathan Ratheesan. Lebara is building on its position as the global leader in international mobile services, and we will continue to innovate to provide the best possible experience to our customers throughout the group and within the UK.
Dario Talmesio, Senior Analyst, Mobile Operators, and Head of Europe for Informa Telecoms & Media, believes the launch of the portal is a positive development for the Lebara Group. He says: Our recent analysis of virtual operators identifies light-VAS (Value Added Services) strategies as key areas of differentiation and future growth in crowded ethnic MVNO markets such as Europe. Of course, Lebara will need to also remain committed to its core business of value for money communication.”