Univision Communications Inc. and T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) are joining forces to launch Univision Mobile, a pioneering wireless service created specifically for Hispanic Americans. The new service combines the insights and programming content of Univision, the leading media company serving Hispanic America, with T-Mobile's wicked-fast network and Un-carrier™ wireless innovation and know-how. The new service will be available nationwide beginning May 19th.
Univision Mobile, with service provided by T-Mobile, promises affordable, flexible wireless service developed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of today's Hispanic Americans. Anchored by the Univision Rewards program and portal, Univision Mobile also gives customers access to tailor-made content, events and apps - right out of the box, Univision Mobile customers are a click away from unique Univision content.
"Univision Mobile's services and features have been created to satisfy the needs of the U.S. Hispanic community," said Kevin Conroy, President, Digital & Enterprise Development, Univision Communications, Inc. "We're providing the best value, no annual contract wireless service plans specifically tailored to our audience's needs. This partnership further reinforces our commitment to serve our audience in every way possible and also clearly demonstrates how Univision is the gateway for any brand looking to connect with the influential and fast growing U.S. Hispanic community."
With a population of nearly 56 million, Hispanic Americans are among America's fastest growing groups. And, according to Nielsen, nearly three out of four Latinos own smartphones (72 percent), close to 10 percentage points higher than average in the United States. Moreover, a staggering 49 percent of Latinos say they plan to replace or upgrade smartphones within the next six months, based on findings from a recent Nielsen survey. Built on T-Mobile's cutting-edge, data-strong network, Univision Mobile is uniquely suited to meet the needs of the highly connected, tech-savvy Hispanic American community - which has adopted smartphones at a much higher rate than any other group.
"Hispanic Americans are among the largest, most important and most influential groups in the US today," said Mike Sievert, Chief Marketing Officer for T-Mobile, "And they deserve wireless tailored to their interests and needs. Univision Mobile is a completely unique wireless experience built to provide Hispanic Americans with both the content and mobile experience they crave from two brands they know and trust."
As the exclusive national retailer, Walmart will offer Univision Mobile in approximately 1,800 of its stores throughout the country. The service will also be available at 6,000 independent dealer locations serving Hispanic communities throughout the country.
"As our customers continue to make the switch to no-contract wireless plans, we're excited to provide them with another exceptional service that delivers what they want at a disruptive value," said Mehrdad Akbar, vice president of wireless for Walmart U.S. "With more than 16 million Hispanic customers in our stores each week, we also know staying in touch with friends and loved ones outside the U.S. is very important. Univision Mobile will help them stay connected while providing access to the media content they want."
Unlike carriers that try to lure in Hispanic customers with an international calling option for an added charge, dubbing it their "Hispanic Plan," Univision Mobile's services and features have been custom built to satisfy the needs of the U.S. Hispanic community, including:
- Affordable "No Annual Contract" Plans
- Unlimited Nationwide Talk and Text plans for just $30 per month
- Unlimited Nationwide Talk, Text, and Web plans starting at just $45 per month ($45 plan includes up to 2.5GB of high-speed data)
- International features in all plans: To address the international calling needs of Hispanic consumers, all Univision Mobile plans automatically include:
- Unlimited international texting from the U.S. to select Latin American countries and 200+ countries and destinations around the world
- 100 minutes to call mobile or landline numbers from the U.S. to eight Latin American countries, including Mexico
- Unique Univision rewards
- Ringtones and Wallpapers
- Sneak peeks of new Univision shows and premieres
- Opportunities for behind-the-scenes VIP access to Univision events and television/radio personalities
- Univision Mobile "portal"
- Gives smartphone customers access to news, sports, and entertainment, as well as Univision apps, including UVideos and Uforia
Customers can bring along their own compatible devices by simply purchasing a SIM card, or they can choose from a wide array of available devices. Customers with capable smartphones can also download the Univision Mobile application for access to additional content and rewards and to track their minutes, text and data usage.
Taxes & fees additional. $45 plan includes up to 2.5GB of 3G web, then slowed to 2G speeds for remainder of account cycle. Calls & text must originate on T-Mobile's U.S. network. Portal & apps availability depends on selected plan. See UnivisionMobile.com for service, coverage & country lists.