Voce, a niche luxury mobile virtual network operator, has begun offering its service in L.A. The soft launch was invite only and participation was capped at around 500 people. Voce is targeting affluent users that are looking only for voice service.
There is a $1,000 one-time membership fee and then a monthly fee of $400. There is no contract and airtime is unlimited. There is no data component thanks to Voce's MVNO agreement with Cingular.
One of the defining characteristics of Voce is a 24-hour concierge service that is included in the monthly service cost. Two devices are being offered at launch, the Motorola RAZR V3 (with black, white or camel colored leather exterior) and the Nokia 8801. Customers are eligible for a new handset every year at no extra cost.