VIRGIN Mobile has announced that it has signed up more than half a million new customers in the last quarter of 2003.

The Trowbridge-based firm runs the fastest-growing UK mobile network over the past two years, with a customer base now totalling 3,644,795.

Virgin Mobile boss Sir Richard Branson said, "This is a glittering result for Virgin Mobile.

"In the run-up to Christmas, more than half a million new customers chose us in the belief that we have the best tariff, the best value, the best marketing and the best customer service in the industry and they are right.

"We have grown faster than any of our rivals over the past two years, and we have absolutely no intention of slowing down."

The company has also had the biggest quarterly sales period in its history.

The record-breaking performance, 37 per cent up on the same period in 2002, has lifted Virgin Mobile's customer numbers by 53 per cent since this time last year.

Recent launches, including 3p texts, Virgin to Virgin, £5 airtime vouchers, a loyalty scheme and £1 free airtime for every £10 spent in Virgin Megastores, have encouraged people to switch providers.

The company also won several awards during 2003, including the Mobile Choice Best Prepay Package and Best Customer Service awards, both for the third year running.

In addition, Oftel announced in November that Virgin Mobile had outperformed the competition by having the least dissatisfied customers in the industry.