In its last results, Virgin said it had three million users of its television services, 3.4 million broadband customers, 4.5 million subscribers to its mobile phone service and 4.1 million fixed-line telephone customers.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Virgin Media 'name change plan'

The technique is based on the fact that mobile-phone companies keep information about the telephone numbers called, and where calls are made and received, for billing purposes.

ECONOMIST: Forensics

Nearly 80 percent said that prior to the survey, they were not aware that companies other than their telephone company could bill them for products and services on their mobile phone bills.

NPR: Feds Get Closer Look At Fake Mobile Bill Charges

Meyer created a communications system that works on any telephone network and can be accessed on any mobile handset, PC or landline phone using voice messages, e-mail or SMS text.

FORBES: Magazine Article