A Chinese language Mobile Virtual Network has been launched in the US by Red Pocket Mobile, targeting the Chinese speaking community. This is a prepaid mobile service which require no credit check, similar to what MetroPCS is doing. It uses modified handsets from Motorola, such as RAZR V3 ($200) and C139 ($50). Both handsets feature Simplified and traditional Chinese character sets as well as English.  Customer service representatives are also fluent in various Chinese dialects, besides English.

The most interesting offer in this launch is that calls to China, Taiwan and Singapore are the same rate as domestic US calls, 15 cents a minute. This is mainly to attract users in the US who need to call their family members, friends and business partners in those foreign regions often. According to Engadget Mobile, this MVNO is piggybacking on Cingular's GSM network in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, which may limit the offering to voice call only. They are targeting to have 100,000 subscribers by 2008.

[Share with a Friend] [Add to Digg.com]