New mobile empire launched from city
Polish tycoon aims for youth market in tie-up with Vodaphone
A Polish multi-millionaire has set up the headquarters for his new mobile phone business on Preston docklands.
Roman Karkosik, who has ranked 557th richest man in the world, has unveiled plans to plough part of his 886m fortune into Extreme Mobile Ltd, a new mobile operator which will have its head office at The Pavilions, off Portway, in the city.
The firm will launch across the UK later this month as a Mobile Virtual Network Operation (MVNO) branded under the Extreme Media Group name, which also has television channels and hotels , with technology and infrastructure provided by Vodafone and Motorola.
Chairman and chief executive Simon Earle, of Extreme's parent company Xebra Ltd, said the firm would appeal to the youth market, where Vodafone had been losing ground on its rivals: "Vodafone would be the first to admit they have not been that strong in the youth market, while the Extreme brand is targeted at exactly that audience.
"So, people will receive their bills from Extreme and everything will be branded under Extreme, but Vodafone and Motorola will provide the service and equipment, in a similar way that Virgin Mobile has a tie-up with T-Mobile.
"But, we believe Extreme can become more of a lifestyle accessory, not just a mobile, and are planning to launch new technology, sell the product from places where young people spend time, and even offer social networking content.
"For example, we are hoping Extreme phones will have 'push to talk' technology, which acts like a walkie-talkie, so people can push a button, leave a message and send that to a friend, like voice texting."
Mr Karkosik, 56, who has made his fortune trading on the Polish stock exchange, has bought an 80% stake in Xebra, which includes Extreme and Advantage, the distribution and business solutions of the firm.
He is also launching his own mobile network in Poland, which will be the fifth-largest in the country, through his Centernet firm.
Mr Earle said: "Mr Karkosik has made his money dealing on the Polish stock exchange, you could say he is the Warren Buffet of Poland.
"Until the last 18 months, his investments have been in traditional industry, but recently he has moved more towards high-technology and sees the Extreme MVNO as a good way to expand his business into the UK."
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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