Another new network, this time from Vodafone. Welcome VOXI

Yesterday we covered a new virtual network call SMARTY. This is a more simple network that offers purely SIM-only plans at competitive prices. As we found out, it is being run by, and on top of, the Three network.

Now Vodafone have done something pretty similar, and both companies have delivered their new ideas just before students head back to school, college and university. That’s not totally unconnected, and this Vodafone one is aimed squarely at the under-25’s. Oh, and yes, you do have to be under 25. See our update below.

The guys at Voda tell me …

VOXI is a new mobile offering created by Vodafone, that lets people use their phones the way they want to. The VOXI brand, products, customer experience and marketing have all been co-created with our audience.

Like the Three / SMARTY offering, pricing is cheap. Again, just like SMARTY, there’s three plans offering unlimited texts and calls. You just pick the amount of data you want..

In another similar move, there’s an added bonus. Here it’s the fact that some data is actually provided “at no cost” to your allowance. In other words, it “free”. It echoes solutions such as ChatSIM in delivering instant messaging without impacting your data bundle.

Available from September 8th, the Vodafone-powered VOXI 4G service gives a “free” allowance so that Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Pinterest, Snapchat, Twitter and Viber usage is at zero cost. Using any of those apps (and, we presume, that includes pictures, videos and calls via those apps too) won’t impact your 2GB, 5GB or 15GB allowance.

Also, you can roam with this, and those social media / chat apps are still not going to use your data allowance, provided you’re in the “Europe Zone”. To keep your data usage in check, VOXI will let you know when you’ve used 80% and 100% of your data plan. If you hit 100%, then you won’t be able to use the social media and chat apps until you’ve bought more.

Dan Lambrou, Head of VOXI, said…

Why should young people make do with the same mobile plans as everyone else, when they use their phones diﬀerently and often can’t access the best deals? We’ve worked with hundreds of people aged 25 and under, and have really listened to them. They are a generation that’s tired of being stereotyped and talked at. We created VOXI, a transparent new mobile service that gives our audience a platform to connect to the things that matter to them, whatever they’re into.

Expect to see this new network promoted by young and cool people like myself soon. They’ve also roped in Anthony Joshua and Snoochie Shy, who is a DJ, presenter and model.

Want more? Well, you can get 1GB of additional data for £3 and you can get 100 international minutes for £3 too. However, what is interesting (and isn’t mentioned much as yet) is the fact that you’ll soon be able to buy a “Music pass” or “Video pass” on this new “Youth Network” so that you can either stream audio or video via inclusive / free data too.

You can pre-order a SIM now and choose a plan on September 8th.

Update – Vodafone have clarified the age limit on VOXI. They state…

A customer needs to be 25 or under to use the service. Its purpose-built for this age group who almost exclusively use social media.

A VOXI customer can continue to use the service if they register before they are 26 years old.

We believe there are plenty of existing Vodafone offers which will appeal to people aged over 25 and we will be introducing additional services aimed at other age groups.

Isn’t that a bit ageist? Hmm… I’d love to use one of these plans, and it suits my needs perfectly, but I’m slightly too old to join..

They also tell me that you’ll need to prove your age with Passport or National ID number online. Or in store with applicable ID.

Show Press Release (638 More Words)

VOXI launches – the UK’s first dedicated youth mobile oﬀering

VOXI is a new mobile oﬀering created by Vodafone, for and with people aged 25 and under, that enables them to use their phones the way they want to. The VOXI brand, products, customer experience and marketing have all been co- created with our audience.

The VOXI SIM, available from 8 September, lets you use selected social and chat apps as much as you like, without aﬀecting your data allowance. With as much calling and texting as you want, the freedom to use your phone in Europe2 at no extra cost, and with no contract and no credit check, VOXI is accessible, flexible, aﬀordable and transparent.

Dan Lambrou, Head of VOXI, said: “Why should young people make do with the same mobile plans as everyone else, when they use their phones diﬀerently and often can’t access the best deals? We’ve worked with hundreds of people aged 25 and under, and have really listened to them. They are a generation that’s tired of being stereotyped and talked at. We created VOXI, a transparent new mobile service that gives our audience a platform to connect to the things that matter to them, whatever they’re into.”

VOXI – the mobile brand promoted by young creatives

To ensure VOXI is relevant to our audience, the content on our marketing channels will be created by a community of young artists, filmmakers and designers from across the UK. They will showcase their diverse passions, talents and experiences across the entire VOXI marketing campaign – from social posts through to live events – reflecting the things our audience really cares about.

To help this community thrive, we’re also providing a unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the best talent around. We’ve partnered with some inspirational figures who will share their stories, work and learnings via a series of masterclasses and workshops. These include Anthony Joshua MBE, World Heavyweight Champion; Sharmadean Reid MBE, entrepreneur and founder of WAH Nails; and Snoochie Shy, DJ, presenter and model.

VOXI plans put you in control

VOXI oﬀers the following 30-day 4G plans:
£10 = 2GB data
£15 = 5GB data
£20 = 15GB data

Assuming you have data left on your plan, you can enjoy unlimited use3 of selected social media and chat apps. And if you’re running low on data, we’ll let you know and you can add more, with 1GB for £34 . All VOXI plans oﬀer unlimited calls and texts.

We know our audience also love streaming video and music, which is why we’re also going to be adding passes that let you use video and music apps as much as you like without using your data allowance – coming soon.

Clear, transparent charging puts you in control of your spending, with no nasty surprises. You can use your phone as you do at home in 50 destinations at no extra cost – including countries outside the EU, such as Switzerland and Turkey. With no contract, you can join, pause or leave VOXI whenever suits you. And checking your account is easy: just head to the VOXI site.

A network you can trust

VOXI is powered by Vodafone’s super-fast and reliable network, so if you’re an existing Vodafone customer, you can use the VOXI SIM in your phone. Otherwise you’ll just need to ensure your phone is unlocked.

Nick Jeﬀery, CEO of Vodafone UK, said: “Vodafone has been working hard to understand the specific needs of our customers. We know today’s young generation use their phones in a completely diﬀerent way, with social media at the very centre of their lives. They want services that put their needs first. VOXI gives young people just that: access to the content and channels they love, simple and cost-eﬀective price plans, and a mobile network they can count on.”