SK Telecom and Earthlink will finally throw in the towel and scrap Helio. Although both firms have repeatedly reiterated their commitment to the mobile virtual network operator, in 2008 they are going to see the light.

During the third quarter the MVNO brought in $52 million in revenues, up from $13 million this time last year but it produced a net loss of $92 million. In addition, as of August 2007, the MVNO had only attracted a mere 130,000 subscribers. In October Helio reduced its workforce by 100. SK Telecom may be able to keep this firm afloat for a bit longer but Earthlink certainly doesn’t have the wherewithal to continue to pour money into this venture. We think it’s unlikely that Helio will make it to 2009.

Courtesy Fierce Wireless

Popularity: 5% [?]