SK Telecom effectively taking over Helio

by Nilay Patel, posted Nov 9th 2007 at 2:02PM

We knew Earthlink and SK Telecom were both planning on reinvesting up to $100M each into struggling joint venture Helio back in July, and it looks like all that recent talk about "revised governance" was on point -- the deal will effectively shift management control of Helio away from Earthlink and to SKT for the first time in Helio's history. SKT has already allocated $70M to make the move, and it's also committed an additional $100M to future handset development and marketing. No word on what other changes SKT plans to make, but we'd happy to see Helio score a much-deserved second chance.

[Via MobileTech News]

Filed under: Helio, MVNOs

Tags: earthlink, sk telecom, SkTelecom

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Stephen Jesson @ Nov 9th 2007 4:58PM

I had the delightful experience to speak to a 'Head Hunter' from Helio about 2 years ago at a SuperBowl party. I told her, and most people that I knew that Helio was in serious trouble if that was the person they had hiring for Helio.

A corporate know nothing. Hey, Helio, how about hiring some people that have sold cellular phones or have been in the business for more than 1 day.

Amazing the way these companies are so bloated with people that stroke each others egos and have never sold, or it seems, even used a cell phone.

I've been in this industry for 20 years, had cell phone stores in the US & Mexico, distributed a couple million phones, had a paging company, seen the industry go from 35 pound transportables and Oki being the leader to today. She looked down on anyone in the business that did not have an MBA.

Too bad for Helio, Amp'd and others that non-corporations buy phones too.

There is a lot of talent out there, lots of guys who have been in this business for years and they are overlooked by theses bozos.

Helio will be gone in 12 months.

Get a clue.

Steve

Neutral

supes @ Nov 9th 2007 6:22PM

I called Helio's 800 number last night to ask about ordering a phone on a one year contract. I know they don't offer it. Some gangsta' girl picks up, laughing at something in the background, and can barely ask what I want. I ask about getting a one year contract and she says, we don't offer that. I said, I know, but I want to know why? Umm, we jus' don't sir...

Too bad because I want the Ocean but not on a two-year contract. Maybe the Helio 2 will push me over the edge, if Helio is around long enough to offer an Ocean 2.