OVIVO Mobile was a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the United Kingdom, using the Vodafone UK network as its carrier.[1] OVIVO was unique in the UK in offering a free (£0 monthly fee) advertising-funded mobile tariff, which was financed by showing an advert in the user's web browser. They charged a nominal fee to cover admin and initial SIM setup costs, returning a portion as user credit upon activation.[1]
OVIVO raised £414,000 in exchange for 25.48% equity via crowdfunding site Crowdcube.[2]
The service closed down on Wednesday, 19 March 2014 without prior notice.
The firm's Twitter and Facebook accounts were deactivated the same day, and email attempts were bounced back.[3]
There was a report that a dispute over network software led to the abrupt closure of the network.[4]
The Ovivo website posted a warning to visitors that the website would be shut down on 10 April.[5] The website and the ability to claim a PAC was taken down in June 2014.[6]
