February 3, 2006

Wal-Mart Stores said it plans to offer its own discount wireless service in Germany under the brand name MangoMobile.

Wal-Mart Germany is partnering with telecommunications distributor Facey Retail Solutions GmbH for the mobile virtual network operator service, which will be sold in the chain's 88 outlets by the summer.

The companies also plan to offer a mobile phone tariff, according to a Wal-Mart spokeswoman.

"The MangoMobile phone shops will provide customers with an entire mobile phone assortment ranging from phones and contracts to accessories," said Amy Wyatt of Wal-Mart International Corporate Affairs.

Wal-Mart, which is among the top retailer of wireless phones and services in the United States and other markets, has long been rumored to be considering launching an MVNO for U.S. wireless users.

Wal-Mart declined to comment on whether it would offer wireless service in the United States.

"Wal-Mart is already a popular retailer and distributor of prepaid cards and mobile phones in Europe," noted Current Analysis analyst Bena Roberts, who said the service is also expected to launch in the United Kingdom.

"MangoMobile will enhance its presence by offering unique shop-in-shop services for mobile operators. Hence, a channel strategy for a new service is already in place and over 150 million prepaid cards are already sold in stores per year."

Source: RCR