Cable & Wireless Optus has formed a $100 million joint venture with the Virgin Group to provide mobile services.
The new company will be called Virgin Mobile and will offer services including simple tariffs, contract and pre-paid models, wireless Internet and fixed wire communications services throughout Australia. Additionally the company is hoping to deliver other services including airline ticket sales, music content and financial services using its phones.
According to officials, the services are expected to be launched later this year to coincide with Virgin Airline's launch in Australia.
Directors of company will include Sir Richard Branson, Chris Anderson, CWO CEO, Norman Gillespie, CFO and Paul O'Sullivan head of CWO's mobile division.
Virgin Mobile launched in the UK last November in partnership with One2One.