Talkmobile, which operates a mobile phone service on the Vodafone UK network, has launched an 'overdraft facility' for its Pay As You Go customers. The Lifesaver service allows Talkmobile’s prepay customers to borrow £1 when they run out of credit. This is automatically repaid when they next top-up, along with a 10p service charge.
Talkmobile's MVNO operation was set up in 2007 by The Carphone Warehouse. Tim Stone, Vodafone’s Wholesale Director, said "Vodafone Wholesale makes it simple and easy for our MVNOs to offer their customers innovative services. Talkmobile is the first to offer this extra to its customers and we expect other Vodafone MVNOs to take this up too."
Orange UK already offers a similar service, which it calls Reserve Tank. It gives customers an extra £2.50 if they run out of credit, charging them at 5p per minute/message above the standard call and text rate.