Virgin Mobile’s digital transformation efforts in Saudi Arabia to date have brought positive disruption to the Saudi telecommunications space by placing more power in the hands of consumers. Virgin Mobile is quickly challenging the status quo by giving consumers the ability and freedom to build and control their own plans, including Virgin Mobile Saudi Pay As You Use, with no commitments through a uniquely digital experience.

Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia, owned by global tech company Beyond One, has launched Switch Postpaid Plans which it claims is a “first-of-its-kind offering” in the Kingdom that allows customers to pay only for the data they consume. The so-called “Switch” feature automatically adjusts to a lower-priced plan when customers use less data and allows them to upgrade whenever they need more, eliminating the fear of bill shock and giving them complete control over their spending, according to the operator.

With plans starting from SAR 138 (including VAT) for 35GB, Virgin Mobile looks disruptive given the traditional global model from MNOs is to follow more for more principles and offer data allowances almost no user will ever manage to consume, for a price.

“We understand that data usage fluctuates, and customers shouldn’t be penalised for having unused data. With the Switch feature, they enjoy complete peace of mind knowing they’re only paying for what they actually need,”

said Virgin Mobile KSA CEO Yaarob Al-Sayegh.

The new plans offer unlimited social media usage, national voice calls, and incoming calls while roaming. Customers can also enjoy complimentary access to entertainment subscriptions like STARZPLAY or stcTV. The Switch Postpaid Plans are available in various options to cater to diverse data requirements, and customers can seamlessly switch between plans “as their needs evolve at any time”.

Virgin Connect

In November, Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia’s owner Beyond One – which is also the owner of Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa – launched Virgin Connect, a new brand that will offer a suite of products that integrate “diverse experiences and services”. The first to launch imminently is Virgin Connect Roam, an eSIM solution that the tech company said will disrupt the current market by offering a scalable, cost-effective, and seamless user experience, for those who recognize connectivity as the enabler of exploration. The service covers more than 140 countries across seven regions.

The company promises more than just an eSIM, stating that Virgin Connect Roam offers “effortless and affordable connectivity”, freeing users from the constraints of traditional data plans. During the launch Beyond One Group CEO Markus Tagger was at pains to emphasise that the plan behind the brand is to develop a community of digital natives.

Given that the Dubai-headquartered Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa is responsible for all Virgin Mobile operations in the Middle East and Africa region Beyond One is well placed to experiment with new offers and brands targeting a reasonably globally-focused regional market.