Virgin Mobile USA Chooses Vibes Media as Mobile Messaging Partner; Chicago-based Vibes Creating SMS and MMS Marketing Programs for Fast-Growing Mobile Virtual Network Operator

Business Wire, Sept 19, 2006

CHICAGO -- Vibes Media, a leading provider of interactive text message and mobile content marketing programs, today announced that Virgin Mobile USA is working with Vibes as its strategic partner for mobile messaging.

Virgin Mobile, the nation's leading youth wireless network, is leveraging Vibes' technology and delivery platforms to create marketing and promotional programs using short (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messaging, games and other mobile content such as ringtones (including Superphonic or real music ringtones).

Vibes has established a leadership presence in mobile messaging the past five years, creating and driving more than 7,000 programs in every U.S. market. Vibes' programs have attracted more than eight million consumers, circulated more than 100 million text messages, and generated consistent revenue for more than 100 consumer brands, sports teams, entertainment enterprises and wireless carriers.

"Over 70 percent of our customers who are under the age of 35 send and receive text messages regularly. This shows the true power of the medium for our customer base," said Dominick Tolli, VP, Mobile Data Services, Virgin Mobile USA. "It was important that we seek out an innovative but established marketing partner that can help us continue to create value for our customers. Vibes has proven itself as one of the most creative providers of mobile programs in the industry and the one that can really drive revenue for Virgin Mobile USA."

Vibes began working with Virgin Mobile in December on a project basis, rolling out a pair of trivia challenges that encouraged high levels of participation and awarded winners iPods and Abercrombie & Fitch clothing gift cards. Since then, the companies have launched a variety of other programs to enhance the Virgin Mobile customer experience with text messaging, picture messaging and ringtones, as well as to drive revenue. In addition, Vibes has been instrumental in executing other programs with Virgin Mobile USA that have made their advertising and promotions interactive.

Vibes is one of the largest licensees and managers of shortcodes in the United States and has long-standing technical connections with every major carrier in the U.S. The company's programs, which include customized text games, trivia contests and sweepstakes, voting, and content delivery, encourage the highest levels of customer participation in the industry, drawing up to 93 messages per person and engaging participants for hours at a time.

Vibes' advanced technology allows marketers to offer consumers ringtones, wallpapers, games and other content direct-to-handset, both free and for a price.

"Virgin Mobile's decision to partner with Vibes reinforces the importance of partnering with an established mobile provider that's committed to building relationships with the brand's customers, and not subjecting them to unwanted spam," said Doug Rothrock, VP, Marketing and Sales, Vibes Media. "We look forward to working with Virgin Mobile on fun, creative programs that will appeal to the company's youthful customer base and drive a new stream of revenue opportunities."

About Vibes Media

Vibes Media, of Chicago, has been creating mobile marketing programs since 1998. The company has developed proprietary interactive software and promotional programs that enable marketers to communicate with, motivate and retain their customers in ways they never could before. Vibes is uniquely positioned in the industry to provide marketing and promotional programs including end-to-end services, strategy development, communications, execution and post-program ROI analysis. Vibes can offer off-the-shelf programs or work with marketers to create a custom program designed for a particular business or marketing situation. The company has launched more than 7,000 text messaging programs and generated more than 100 million messages in the United States, partnering with wireless carriers, entertainment enterprises, musical acts, sports teams and leagues, and a wide variety of consumer brands. Please visit www.vibes.com for more information.

About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC:

Launched nationally in July of 2002, Virgin Mobile USA, LLC is the nation's first wireless network created for and defined by youth. Virgin Mobile is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Sprint Nextel, which operates one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless networks in the United States. The country's first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Virgin Mobile's four million customers have access to a service portfolio that includes multiple voice pricing options, a full range of handsets and a broad array of messaging, music and mobile content offerings - without long-term contracts. J.D. Power and Associates has recognized Virgin Mobile as America's top prepaid wireless carrier for Customer Satisfaction Excellence and for providing "An Outstanding Customer Service Experience" under the Certified Call Center Program.(SM)

Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 25,000 locations nationwide with Top-Up cards available at more than 100,000 locations nationwide. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online at www.virginmobileusa.com or by calling 888-322-1122.