Virgin Mobile USA has recently announced the launch of the Shuttle, the mobile operator’s first EV-DO enabled handset and their first mobile phone enabled to integrate several features from the Helio portfolio — improved access to social networks. In addition, the Shuttle is also the first Virgin Mobile’s handset to feature location-based services from uLocate including Buddy Beacon (aka friend finder) and Where (access to local information).
Available exclusively at Best Buy Mobile and BestBuy.com as of September 28, the Virgin Mobile’s new slider sports such things as 1.3 megapixel camera, 2-inch screen, media player, IM client, and a memory expansion slot.
But that’s not all. With the new Shuttle, Virgin Mobile USA is also introducing its first Mobile Web data packs as add-ons to calling plans. Monthly plan users can buy 20MB of data (so called “Surf the Web”) for $5, or 50MB of data for $10. As for the pay as you go users, 5MB would cost them $5, 20MB – $10, and 50MB – $20. All data plans also include unlimited access to Virgin VXL service.