Amp'd Mobile will begin a soft launch on December 15. The highly anticipated MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) has captured lots of buzz thanks to its high profile financing and upper-tier phone technology. Before launching the company secured $67 million in VC from partners that included Universal Music Group. Every Amp'd handset will include EV-DO, starting first with the Kyocera Jet.
Pricing has not been announced, but music downloads expected to be sold for around $.99 a song. The pricepoint would match digital music leader iTunes and undercut Sprint's new music download service that charges $2.49 for the same tunes. Other pricing information hasn't been hinted at.
Unlike other MVNO carriers, such as Mobile ESPN and Virgin Mobile USA, Amp'd is using the Verizon Wireless network. Since Verizon's network currently has the largest deployment of EV-DO, the move makes sense.
Len, I totally agree. Amp'd has a lot going for it. I would really like to see the plan pricing though :).
99 cent songs and that makes them the messiah of providers? I think that any provider who can't build their network from the ground up wont be around very long
I put more faith in helio
Chris:
Helio is going to be an MVNO as well. Building a national network at this stage in the game would be extremely difficult. What would likely have to happen is a buyout of regional carriers.
OMG tmobile is so gay they dont even have EDGE phones let alone EVDO i am so comming to amp'd in january...its so awesome i cant wait!
I have been with Nextel for over a year and I have no contract anymore. I just ordered my Ampd phone and service. I like everything the company is offering right now and the prices are the best out there right now fr the amount of features you get for free. Also thew fact that they even give you a free headset, free extended battery, and free 128MB memory card. None of the phones for Nextel offer and of these cool phone and service features. Wish me luck guys...!
Amp'd definitely has the right idea on music download pricing. You really can't ask for more money than iTunes is, or your sales will BOMB.
Now why *Sprint*, on the other hand, can't figure this out is beyond me, or anyone else rational. $2.49 a song... bwahahahaha, yeah right. You guys are IDIOTS. :D