Victorvox

Victorvox was a German mobile telecommunications service provider headquartered in Krefeld. Founded in 1985 as 'autoradioland', the company entered the mobile communications sector in 1988 and was renamed Victorvox in 1995. It became a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) in 1999 and grew rapidly, reporting total revenues of approximately 259 million Deutsche Mark in 1999, 610 million DM in 2000, and 725 million DM (about 370 million euros) in 2001. In 2001 it also became a DSL provider. By 2002 the company employed 293 people and generated revenues of 297 million euros. In 2003, Drillisch AG acquired a majority stake (71.9%) in Victorvox AG, and Vlasios and Paschalis Choulidis became members of the executive board. The company was converted into a GmbH in 2006. On 6 January 2009, Victorvox GmbH, Telco Services GmbH, and Alphatel Kommunikationstechnik GmbH were merged into McSIM Mobilfunk GmbH, which was then renamed Drillisch Telecom GmbH. Victorvox thus ceased to exist as a separate legal entity. Victorvox primarily operated as a service provider for various mobile network operators. It also entered strategic partnerships, including with CTS EVENTIM AG in 2000 for ticketing, with D&W in 2001 for mobile contracts, and with RadiCens GmbH in 2007 for a mobile data flat rate marketed under the brand 'MoobiCent'. The company was known for contentious dealings with consumers and consumer protection agencies, notably regarding an unlawful deactivation fee (2001), the Faircom affair (2003), and the MoobiCent throttling (2007).

Victorvox was founded in 1985 in Krefeld under the name 'autoradioland'. In 1988, the company entered the mobile communications industry. It was renamed Victorvox in 1995. In 1999, Victorvox became a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft), reporting total revenues of approximately 259 million Deutsche Mark. The company continued to grow, with revenues reaching about 610 million DM in 2000 and 725 million DM (around 370 million euros) in 2001, the same year it became a DSL provider. By 2002, Victorvox employed 293 people and generated revenues of 297 million euros. In 2002, founder and CFO Olaf Hagelkruys left at his own request, and Helmfrid Fülling became the new CFO. In 2003, Drillisch AG acquired a majority stake (71.9%) in Victorvox AG, and Vlasios and Paschalis Choulidis became members of the executive board. In 2005, Stefan Sartor left the board, which was reduced to two members, with the Choulidis brothers taking over his responsibilities. In 2006, the company was converted into a GmbH. On 6 January 2009, Victorvox GmbH, Telco Services GmbH, and Alphatel Kommunikationstechnik GmbH were merged into McSIM Mobilfunk GmbH, which was renamed Drillisch Telecom GmbH. Victorvox thus ceased to exist as an independent entity. Throughout its history, Victorvox engaged in strategic partnerships: with CTS EVENTIM AG in 2000 for ticketing, with D&W in 2001 for mobile contracts, and with RadiCens GmbH in 2007 for the 'MoobiCent' mobile data flat rate. The company also faced consumer protection issues, including an unlawful deactivation fee (2001), the Faircom affair (2003), and MoobiCent throttling (2007).

• 2009

  Merged into McSIM Mobilfunk GmbH, renamed Drillisch Telecom GmbH

• 2007

  Cooperation with RadiCens GmbH; launch of 'MoobiCent' mobile data flat rate

• 2006

  Converted into a GmbH

• 2005

  Stefan Sartor leaves the board; board reduced to two members

• 2003

  Drillisch AG acquires 71.9% majority; Vlasios and Paschalis Choulidis become board members

• 2002

  293 employees; revenue of 297 million euros; Olaf Hagelkruys leaves, Helmfrid Fülling becomes CFO

• 2001

  Became a DSL provider; total revenue approx. 725 million DM (370 million euros); strategic partnership with D&W

• 2000

  Total revenue approx. 610 million DM; cooperation with CTS EVENTIM AG

• 1999

  Became a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft); total revenue approx. 259 million DM

• 1995

  Renamed to Victorvox

• 1988

  Entered the mobile communications industry

• 1985

  Founded in Krefeld as 'autoradioland'

Service provider for mobile network operators and direct mobile contracts

• Mobile phone contracts

  Offered through various networks and partners

• DSL internet access

  Became a DSL provider in 2001

• MoobiCent

  Mobile data flat rate offered from April 2007 in cooperation with RadiCens GmbH

1. 1Victorvox - Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2Victorvox - Wikipedia (German)de.wikipedia.org