Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[House bill proposes ban on in-flight cellphone use]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/17/house-bill-proposes-in-flight-cellphone-use/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/17/house-bill-proposes-in-flight-cellphone-use/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/17/house-bill-proposes-in-flight-cellphone-use/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This could -- at least temporarily -- put an end the nightmarish scenario involving you, lack of sleep, and some freakish chatty Cathy plopped next to you by the airline. Lead co-sponsor Rep. Peter DeFazio, hopes the "Hang Up" -- madly clever name here -- bill will stop Airlines from finding yet another avenue to gouge you and maintaining peace and harmony by banning any in-flight calling. Of course, the door will remain wide open for SMS, mail, IM, and other types of electronic conversation, but we're hoping Skype and friends are on the muzzle list, too.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairlinesbillcallingHang UpHangUpin-flightThu, 17 Apr 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd going after former CEO to pay off debts]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/08/ampd-going-after-former-ceo-to-pay-off-debts/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/08/ampd-going-after-former-ceo-to-pay-off-debts/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/08/ampd-going-after-former-ceo-to-pay-off-debts/#commentsFiled under: ,

It wasn't a pretty end for Amp'd Mobile, but even the hasty one-week extension of service, sale of customers to Prexar and asset liquidation wasn't enough to keep creditors at bay -- the bankrupt company is now suing after its former CEO for cash. Claiming that Peter Adderton "refused to perform certain aspects of his employment" and "threatened to take action that would damage" Amp'd, the lawsuit seeks some $1.15M in payments made. Amp'd is also going after some 20 other partners in similar suits, ranging from Merrill Lynch to law firm Latham and Watkins to Playboy and MTV. We're not sure how that's going to play out, but it looks like those rumors about the content team and properties like "Lil' Bush" being sold off are definitely true -- William Morris is in charge of shopping the group out to the highest bidder. All in all, it looks like Amp'd's creditors aren't being shy about getting their cash -- but what repo man ever is?

[Via mocoNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>peter addertonPeterAddertonshutdownFri, 08 Feb 2008 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd content team to live on with Clearwire?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/10/ampd-content-team-to-live-on-with-clearwire/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/10/ampd-content-team-to-live-on-with-clearwire/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/10/ampd-content-team-to-live-on-with-clearwire/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Amp'd's virtual network may be dead and gone (not really, it got acquired; you know what we mean), but the MVNO had arguably one of the better exclusive content packages out there. Ironically, we've heard that Amp'd ultimately spent only a very small fraction of its once-$400 million fortune on the content itself, but hey, maybe they spent that money somewhat wisely. Anyhoo, it seems Peter Adderton and his jolly gang have been shopping themselves around as a one-stop-shop package deal of content, and fixed wireless provider Clearwire may be getting ready to bite. Details are slim at this point, but the synergy is pretty obvious: the former Amp'd crew can concentrate on what it does best -- produce entertaining content -- and let Clearwire worry about the infrastructure. Lil' Bush wouldn't look half bad over WiMAX, yeah?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ampdclearwirecontentFri, 10 Aug 2007 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd's ex-CEO takes some questions]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/09/ampds-ex-ceo-takes-some-questions/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/09/ampds-ex-ceo-takes-some-questions/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/09/ampds-ex-ceo-takes-some-questions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When your company burns through some $400 million worth of other people's money and goes up in a puff of smoke, you're bound to get some inquiries from curious lookers-on. Ousted shortly before Amp'd's historic freefall, Peter Adderton was good enough to sit down with PaidContent's Rafat Ali to answer a few questions about just what the hell happened. Naturally, the guy appears to do a brilliant job of deflecting the blame from himself, saying that Amp'd had too many hands in the cookie jar (vested parties, that is) trying to control the direction of the company; furthermore, since the MVNO required so much cash (apparently) to do its thing, the people that needed to be in the office running things were instead out in the field begging for more dollars. He talks a little bit about the crazy billing issues, too -- you know, people not paying their bill for months without getting cut off -- and says that there was a big issue with people simply never being billed in the first place, too. Business school 101, Peter: gotta make money to keep the ship afloat, dude. Click the link for the full interview.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addertonampdceointerviewmvnopeter addertonPeterAddertonThu, 09 Aug 2007 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge okays Amp'd sale, customers now free to join Prexar Mobile]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/03/judge-okays-ampd-sale-customers-now-free-to-join-prexar-mobile/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/03/judge-okays-ampd-sale-customers-now-free-to-join-prexar-mobile/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/03/judge-okays-ampd-sale-customers-now-free-to-join-prexar-mobile/#commentsFiled under: ,

We already had a decent hunch that Prexar Mobile would come into play here, but a Delaware judge has officially green lit the sale of Amp'd Mobile to United Systems Access, which will give "thousands of customers a chance to switch carriers in the wake of the startup venture's collapse." United Systems will reportedly offer service to Amp'd customers under its Prexar Mobile brand, and interestingly, Amp'd will be getting a "25-percent stake in Prexar." Additionally, it was noted that Amp'd Mobile will be paid according to "how many of its customers switch service to the small Maine-based wireless provider, what plans the customers choose, and how long they stay with the new carrier." And you thought you'd never hear from these guys again.

[Via mocoNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptbankruptcycourtcustomersjudgelegalPrexarPrexarMobileserviceUnited SystemsUnitedSystemsFri, 03 Aug 2007 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Canada bids Amp'd adieu]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/01/canada-bids-adieu-to-ampd/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/01/canada-bids-adieu-to-ampd/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/01/canada-bids-adieu-to-ampd/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Launched March 14th amid sounds of Canadian Geese honking, Moose singing, and beavers splashing, Amp'd Canada is no more. Not even 5 months down the road, the Telus -- Telus provided the Amp'd service in Canada -- links to the Amp'd web site are gone, the Amp'd Canada site is offline, and even retailers have quietly boxed up the goods. We've not seen anything official, but if we were betting types here at Engadget Mobile, we'd put some spare change on them not resurfacing anytime soon.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd canadaAmp'dCanadacanadatelusWed, 01 Aug 2007 22:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd sez network goes dark at midnight, suggests Prexar]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/31/ampd-sez-network-goes-dark-at-midnight-suggests-prexar/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/31/ampd-sez-network-goes-dark-at-midnight-suggests-prexar/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/31/ampd-sez-network-goes-dark-at-midnight-suggests-prexar/#commentsFiled under: ,

The latest word from Amp'd -- also known as the Defunct MVNO That Wouldn't Die -- is that its network will finally be shut down (for real this time) tonight at midnight. Interestingly, the latest text message sent out to customers still using its phones suggests that they port to Prexar Mobile, a darkhorse that has just acquired "strategic wireless assets" from Amp'd, presumably in a bid to make the port process as seamless as possible. Customers will be able to continue to use their Amp'd phones (though without all the Amp'd content, we'd guess) and will have to sign up for a Prexar plan, at which point they'll be granted 100 free text messages. Whoopee.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobileampd mobileAmpdMobilebreaking newsBreakingNewsmvnoprexarprexar mobilePrexarMobileTue, 31 Jul 2007 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd revises shutoff date: July 31 at the earliest]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/24/ampd-revises-shutoff-date-july-31-at-the-earliest/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/24/ampd-revises-shutoff-date-july-31-at-the-earliest/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/24/ampd-revises-shutoff-date-july-31-at-the-earliest/#commentsFiled under: ,

Verizon has got to be rolling its eyes at this one. We're not too sure what's going on behind the scenes here, but Amp'd has seemingly somehow bought itself a few additional days of life on Verizon's backbone, moving its drop-dead date forward one week to next Tuesday, July 31. For customers -- or ex-customers, as the case may be -- expecting to wake up this morning and find a bricked Amp'd handset, we imagine this is probably a welcome reprieve. The frequently-asked questions list still claims customer service is dead as of the 23rd, though, so don't expect to get chatty with any Amp'd peeps this week.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobileampdampd mobileAmpdMobilebreaking newsBreakingNewsTue, 24 Jul 2007 01:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy wastes no time throwing Amp'd out of stores]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/22/best-buy-wastes-no-time-throwing-ampd-out-of-stores/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/22/best-buy-wastes-no-time-throwing-ampd-out-of-stores/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/22/best-buy-wastes-no-time-throwing-ampd-out-of-stores/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's hard to say just how long this plan has been brewing, but it seems awfully suspicious that Best Buy and Amp'd parted ways on the very same day that Amp'd decided to sell itself off bit by bit, does it not? Best Buy's weekend employee flier unceremoniously declares that July 20 marks the end of in-store sales -- probably a good idea, we figure, considering that the phones may stop functioning in a few days -- with teams coming in to yank down ads and take hardware. We're also hearing that online account activations aren't working at this point, so getting a new Amp'd handset is pretty freaking hard to do at this point -- not to say you'd want one, anyway.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobileampdampd mobileAmpdMobilebest buyBestBuySun, 22 Jul 2007 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd Mobile to shut down July 24 at 12:01am?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/22/ampd-mobile-to-shut-down-july-24-at-12-01am/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/22/ampd-mobile-to-shut-down-july-24-at-12-01am/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/22/ampd-mobile-to-shut-down-july-24-at-12-01am/#commentsFiled under: ,


Bankrupt, outta luck Amp'd Mobile sent out a text message this evening -- seemingly to its entire customer base -- unceremoniously stating that service "may" dry up this coming Tuesday at 12:01am. Get those number ports fired up, folks.

Update: Make sure to hit the "Read" link for full details on how the shutdown will affect customers (i.e. can I keep my phone? my contacts? all that freakin' digital schwag I switched carriers to buy?). Interestingly enough, the main Amp'd page is still buzzing along as if nothing was wrong, and it actually took us quite a few minutes to locate the tiny graphic linking to the FAQ.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobileampdampd mobileAmpdMobilebreaking newsBreakingNewsSun, 22 Jul 2007 01:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd in death throes, files to sell off assets]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/20/ampd-in-death-throes-files-to-sell-off-assets/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/20/ampd-in-death-throes-files-to-sell-off-assets/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/20/ampd-in-death-throes-files-to-sell-off-assets/#commentsFiled under: ,

Maybe it was Verizon's most recent in-court request to stop serving up costly airwaves for which it couldn't pay, maybe it was the cold reality that it'll allegedly have a mere $9,000 in the bank as of next Monday -- but at any rate, Amp'd Mobile appears ready to throw in the towel. The Verizon-serviced MVNO today filed with a bankruptcy judge to sell substantially all of its assets at auction after discovering that it was unable to line up debtor-in-possession financing, likely setting the stage for a full shutdown in the next few days. After launching less than two years ago to considerable fanfare and burning through a healthy $360 million, it's pretty shocking to see it all go down with such a whimper -- but hey, if you're looking to pick up a Q on the cheap -- that may or may not work on any other network, that is -- this may just be your chance.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobileampdbankruptcybreaking newsBreakingNewsmvnoFri, 20 Jul 2007 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon to court: Amp'd can't pay, we want out]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/19/verizon-to-court-ampd-cant-pay-we-want-out/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/19/verizon-to-court-ampd-cant-pay-we-want-out/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/19/verizon-to-court-ampd-cant-pay-we-want-out/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yeah, the court system may have given Amp'd a short stay of execution, but the troubled MVNO is far from being out of the woods. The latest chapter in Amp'd's bankruptcy saga has Verizon all fired up over its inability (or inaction) to get a loan lined up, all the while racking up some $370,000 in connection charges daily on Verizon's backbone. For anyone keeping count, that means Amp'd now owes Verizon something on the order of $56.6 milion, and the $9,000 (yes, nine thousand dollars) in Amp'd's coffers aren't quite going to cover the damage. In a court filing demanding that it be let out of its end of the well-breached agreement, Verizon says that it shouldn't be forced to participate as an "unwilling gambler" while Amp'd struggles to get back on its feet. Of course, if the plug does get pulled, it's an instant Amp'd death sentence -- so if you happen to be an Amp'd subscriber and your line goes dead, well, you can probably figure out how the court has ruled.

[Via mocoNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'dampdbankruptcycourtverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 19 Jul 2007 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd regains connectivity, drops lawsuit against Verizon]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/26/ampd-regains-connectivity-drops-lawsuit-against-verizon/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/26/ampd-regains-connectivity-drops-lawsuit-against-verizon/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/26/ampd-regains-connectivity-drops-lawsuit-against-verizon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apparently, it would just be far too easy for Amp'd to bow out of the fledgling MVNO realm after filing for bankruptcy, as the company has recently reached an agreement with Verizon Wireless that enables it to use The Network in exchange for Amp'd dropping its lawsuit. The suit was reportedly filed after Verizon moved to kick the Los Angeles-based Amp'd off its network, but we can't exactly blame Verizon for being quite perturbed after not receiving $33 million in payments. Of course, we're sure this spat is far from finished, but the case will press on next week while Amp'd customers can once again intrepidly chat away on Verizon's equipment -- for the time being, at least.

[Via mocoNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcyblackmalebusinesscourtfinancialindustrylawsuitlegalmoneysuesuitTue, 26 Jun 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge lets Amp'd tap $7.5 million loan]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/21/judge-lets-ampd-tap-7-5-million-loan/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/21/judge-lets-ampd-tap-7-5-million-loan/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/21/judge-lets-ampd-tap-7-5-million-loan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bankrupt Amp'd Mobile has received an ever-so-brief stay of execution this week, thanks in no small part to the federal court system. The US Bankruptcy Court in Delaware has ruled that the MVNO has permission to use $7.5 million in cash from its largest creditor (and underlying service provider) Verizon, a sum Verizon was ultimately hoping to avoid paying out. $2.45 million of that loan will be need be held in reserve, but the remainder should be enough to keep Amp'd up and running until June 25. What'll become of the carrier after Monday, though, remains to be seen, pending the result of a lawsuit asking the court to prevent Verizon from shutting off its service altogether.

[Via mocoNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'dbankruptbankruptcyloanmvnoverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 21 Jun 2007 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Adderton out as Amp'd CEO]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/13/peter-adderton-out-as-ampd-ceo/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/13/peter-adderton-out-as-ampd-ceo/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/13/peter-adderton-out-as-ampd-ceo/#commentsFiled under: ,

When a company files for Chapter 11, we figure that's often a strong indicator that a management change is in order; that's the situation MVNO Amp'd Mobile finds itself facing as of late, and the rumors that CEO Peter Adderton's days were thusly numbered have finally materialized into reality. mocoNews reports that the ex-chief is still Amp'd's largest single shareholder and maintains a position on the board, but President Bill Stone now finds himself with top billing on the company's management roster. Bill: best of luck, dude.

[Via mocoNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addertonamp'dampdceomanagementmvnopeter addertonPeterAddertonWed, 13 Jun 2007 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon threatens to shut off Amp'd's airwaves]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/07/verizon-threatens-to-shut-off-ampds-airwaves/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/07/verizon-threatens-to-shut-off-ampds-airwaves/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/07/verizon-threatens-to-shut-off-ampds-airwaves/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It appears to be nothing more than a little playful legal wrangling at this point, but Verizon's threat to straight-up disconnect Amp'd serves as a stark reminder to customers and other MVNOs just how critical the national carriers are to a virtual network's day-to-day operations. Verizon's argument, of course, is simple: Amp'd burns through tens of millions of dollars per month of The Network's airwaves, and nonpayment is grounds for sending out the "can you hear me now?" guy to Amp'd's house to disconnect the service, metaphorically speaking. This'll all play out in the courts over the next few days and months as Amp'd navigates the wide world of bankruptcy, but we've gotta believe Verizon isn't heartless enough to leave its paying customers in the dark.

[Via Phone Scoop]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobilebankruptcyverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 07 Jun 2007 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd Files for chapter 11 bankruptcy]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/02/ampd-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/02/ampd-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/02/ampd-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/#commentsFiled under: ,

We wish we could say we're surprised -- ok fine, we're always a little surprised when a company files for bankruptcy -- but it looks like Amp'd Mobile has filed chapter 11. We know the business has almost 200k subscribers, but apparently the business "couldn't keep up with the growth" -- but since when does growth and consumer interest in an MVNO's service equal business-rattling financial problems? Sounds like something weird is going on, but remember, chapter 11 just means down, not out. (Unlike the entirely out MobileESPN.) In other words, don't be surprised if Amp'd gets its business back in order and makes a triumphant return to the market -- or, you know, goes out of business entirely. [Warning: subscription req'd for link]

Update: mocoNews has some more info on the filing, including how much money Amp'd owes who; Amp'd also sent us an official statement on the bankruptcy filing, which is posted after the break.

Continue reading Amp'd Files for chapter 11 bankruptcy

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'dampdbankruptcybreaking newsBreakingNewsmvnoSat, 02 Jun 2007 21:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd Mobile handset prices take a hike]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/16/ampd-mobile-handset-prices-take-a-hike/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/16/ampd-mobile-handset-prices-take-a-hike/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/16/ampd-mobile-handset-prices-take-a-hike/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Picked up a new Amp'd Mobile handset recently? Notice anything about the price? If you've mulled an Amp'd purchase recently but just plunked down your cash for one in recent days, you may have seen that you paid a little more for it than you would have last month. That's because Amp'd recently hiked the price on all five of the handset models is currently offers for sale. Now, some of the Moto RAZR prices only increased $20, but the Moto Q went from $100 to $220 -- quite a lift. With Amp'd hovering near 200,000 subscribers, will these increases dent that projection a bit? Those price increases might do that if all those soon-to-be customers choose the Q -- but don't want to pay Amp'd $220 for it with the Q9 to come sometime soon (we hope).
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amp'd HandsetsAmp'd MobileAmp'd phonesAmp'dHandsetsAmp'dMobileAmp'dPhonesWed, 16 May 2007 14:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Discount retailers want to sell more handsets]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/11/discount-retailers-want-to-sell-more-handsets/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/11/discount-retailers-want-to-sell-more-handsets/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/11/discount-retailers-want-to-sell-more-handsets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

With 65% of U.S. mobile handset buyers going to carrier outlets and counters to buy all those handsets, that leaves the other 35% of US wireless customers looking at other sources for all those cellphones by our math; physical and online retailers pick up that slack. Which, exactly? Wireless Week reports that powerhouse retailers like Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target and Wal-Mart are (unsurprisingly) doing their part. Hey, are those calling plan commission bells we hear? Anyway, Wal-Mart has gained ground from the days of selling low-end phones and plans, offering a decent assortment from more than a few carriers these days; Best Buy is doing well also, while Radio Shack -- once chummy with several carriers -- is apparently being beaten badly by the bigger consumer electronics and discount chains, and the news that its outlets won't be getting the iPhone in store can't be easing the heartburn. Of course, we figure this kind of fierce competition can only be good news for consumers, so bring it on; if the big boxes want to beat carriers' corporate stores dollar-for-dollar on handsets, you're not going to hear a peep of complaint out of us.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBYBest BuyBestBuyCCcellular phone salesCellularPhoneSalesCircuit CityCircuitCityRadio ShaskRadioShaskRetail handset salesRetailHandsetSalesWed, 11 Apr 2007 23:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Q, "Amp'd Edition" now available]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/11/motorola-q-ampd-edition-now-available/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/11/motorola-q-ampd-edition-now-available/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/11/motorola-q-ampd-edition-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


As expected, Amp'd Mobile has gone ahead and rolled out its "MOTOQ, Amp'd Edition," a somewhat fresh take on the now-ubiquitous Windows Mobile Smartphone from Motorola. Besides being offered in the newer, arguably hipper black hue, Amp'd's (isn't it weird to have two apostrophes in a single word?) variant uses a custom interface crafted in Flash Lite to give it a slightly less buttoned-up look and feel than its corporate cousins on Sprint and Verizon. Get it now for $199, and the darlings at Amp'd will even throw in a 256MB miniSD card for good measure.

[Thanks, Riles]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'dmotomoto qMotoQmotorolaqqwertywindows mobileWindowsMobileWed, 11 Apr 2007 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd Mobile inches towards 200,000 customer mark]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/10/ampd-mobile-inches-towards-200-000-customer-mark/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/10/ampd-mobile-inches-towards-200-000-customer-mark/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/10/ampd-mobile-inches-towards-200-000-customer-mark/#commentsFiled under:

It turns out our fears that MVNOs would fall out like flies before finding their footing might be overblown -- for some of 'em, anyway. Want proof? Amp'd Mobile states that it is nearing the 200,000-customer mark after having a pretty strong first quarter to kick off 2007. Just three months ago at the top of the year, Amp'd said that that it had ended 2006 with more than 100,000 customers. One quarter later, the MVNO has apparently almost doubled that number -- impressive indeed. Some highlights: Amp'd gained 87,000 new activations in the first quarter of 2007, with 84% of that being of the postpaid kind. The average revenue per user (ARPU) hovered in the area of $100 per month as well, which is twice the industry average.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amp'dAmp'd MobileAmp'dMobilemobile virtual network operatorMobileVirtualNetworkOperatorMVNOU.S. MVNOU.s.MvnoTue, 10 Apr 2007 19:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Details slowly emerge on Motorola Q, Amp'd Edition]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/05/details-slowly-emerge-on-motorola-q-ampd-edition/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/05/details-slowly-emerge-on-motorola-q-ampd-edition/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/05/details-slowly-emerge-on-motorola-q-ampd-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Amp'd first started talking up its upcoming Q a couple weeks back, and thanks to LetsTalk.com and a circulating rebate form, we have some information on pricing now, too. The "MOTO Q, Amp'd Edition" -- or simply "Q," if you're lazy like us -- will go out the door for a nickel under $200 before the application of a $100 rebate. The ubiquitous Windows Mobile Smartphone has some interesting tricks up its sleeves this time around, too (as well it should, considering that this is one of the first times the device has been explicitly marketed away from its business user roots), utilizing a Flash Lite-based app as its primary user interface. Of course, the handset will offer all of Amp'd's rich content, comes in black (more hip than the original silver -- black is the new black, after all), and should find its way into buyers' hands before the month is out.

[Thanks, hajmola]

Read - Official press release
Read - Rebate form [Warning: PDF link]
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd editionAmp'dEditionmotomotorolaqqwertywindows mobileWindowsMobileThu, 05 Apr 2007 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd Mobile faces $100,000 fine]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/03/ampd-mobile-faces-100-000-fine/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/03/ampd-mobile-faces-100-000-fine/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/03/ampd-mobile-faces-100-000-fine/#commentsFiled under: ,

Our buddies at the FCC want to fine MVNO Amp'd Mobile a cool $100,000 for failing to protect consumers' personal calling records from data thieves. In an age where sensitive customer information (credit cards, social security numbers, etc.) seems to get leaked monthly, maybe large fines like this will force telecom companies and others to reign in IT systems and internal processes that involve customer information. With the FCC having issued no less than four fines in recent months to companies for inadequate internal controls to safeguard personal customer information, the agency promised "aggressive, substantial steps." We believe that a $100,000 fine to Amp'd Mobile definitely qualifies, and with Amp'd Mobile's current annual sales estimated to be about $5.2 million, a $100,000 fine is more than a pinch according to our math.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'd fineamp'd mobileAmp'dFineAmp'dMobileMVNOMVNOsTue, 03 Apr 2007 09:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd Motorola Q coming]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/04/ampd-motorola-q-coming/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/04/ampd-motorola-q-coming/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/04/ampd-motorola-q-coming/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Looks like some fool revealed Amp'd's next phone by leaving a user manual up on their downloads site. The irrational obsession with Motorola continues with the Amp'd Q, and while they obviously didn't say when it's coming or for how much, if you didn't already take the chance to buy this thing on Sprint or Verizon (and aren't interested in waiting for its predecessor, the Q q9) then you'll finally have a much hipper carrier option for taking one home. [Warning: PDF link]

[Thanks, Lee H]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>qSun, 04 Mar 2007 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV partners with Amp'd to create exclusive made-for-mobile content]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/01/10/mtv-partners-with-ampd-to-create-exclusive-made-for-mobile-cont/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/01/10/mtv-partners-with-ampd-to-create-exclusive-made-for-mobile-cont/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/01/10/mtv-partners-with-ampd-to-create-exclusive-made-for-mobile-cont/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While consumers' love affair with mobile TV has been debatable, that hasn't stopped a number of firms from teaming up to deliver all sorts of multimedia to our diminutive LCDs, and now MTV Networks and Amp'd are partnering to bring exclusive, original made-for-mobile content to Amp'd users. Hoping to give customers (pre-teens, at least) something to actually get amped up about, the two firms announced at CES that they would be developing unique content, such as an elusive "episodic series," that would end up appearing on both MTV and Amp'd Live. It was also stated that MTV would "retain the rights to develop and cross-program the projects for television and other platforms," possibly suggesting that the content could leak over to other networks if the price was right. Although a "comedy" series -- Lil' Bush: Resident of the United States -- was recent ported from mobile to TV, this marks the first time that an Amp'd production will have the hefty wallet of MTV Networks / Viacom backing it, which essentially means that future content rolling out of Amp'd Live will hardly be suitable for marginally mature adults. Laguna Beach fuheva!

[Via mocoNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces2007contentepisodemoviemoviesmtvpartnerpartnershipproductionseriesshowstelevisiontvWed, 10 Jan 2007 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy Mobile opens up shop in New York]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/28/best-buy-mobile-opens-up-shop-in-new-york/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/28/best-buy-mobile-opens-up-shop-in-new-york/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/28/best-buy-mobile-opens-up-shop-in-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While Best Buy's been selling mobiles (and holding out on Wii hopefuls) for some time now, the big blue retailer is diverting a bit more fundage towards the cause. Aside from continuing to offer phones and plans in typical stores, Best Buy is opening up a smattering of New York-based Mobile stores to handle your cellular needs (and probably hassle you for an extended warranty as well). While details about the store layout and initial offerings are a bit scant at this point, we do know that nine locales will be opening up in the Big Apple alone, with a red (as in, not black) PRODUCT (RED) RAZR being their "exclusive" offering. The stores will partner with Verizon Wireless, Amp'd Mobile, Sprint-Nextel, and Cingular, and should have a plethora of promotional goodies surrounding each and every door to snag your attention.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buybest buy mobileBestBuyBestBuyMobilebig appleBigApplenew yorkNewYorkproduct redProductRedredretailTue, 28 Nov 2006 03:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd to get upgraded Motorola Q?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/08/ampd-to-get-upgraded-motorola-q/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/08/ampd-to-get-upgraded-motorola-q/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/08/ampd-to-get-upgraded-motorola-q/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A microscopic, grayscale image is about all we have to go on right now, but that little sliver of evidence seems to corroborate the claim that Amp'd Mobile is all geared up to take on a variant of Motorola's Q smartphone. On account of Amp'd's target demographic, we might normally argue that there are other carriers in the world better suited to take on a business-oriented device like the Q -- but if the rumored upgrades are anywhere close to real (three megapixel cam, "new UI," and integrated SlingPlayer) at the also-rumored price point of $100 -- not to mention the nifty black shell -- Amp'd subscribers would be crazy not to dig it. Could this be the rumored Q Pro?

[Thanks, MRa]

Update: Better eye candy of the Amp'd Q has surfaced, once again on HowardForums -- click through for the goods.

Continue reading Amp'd to get upgraded Motorola Q?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobilemotomotorolaqq proQProsmartphonewindows mobileWindowsMobileWed, 08 Nov 2006 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd Mobile to offer special edition RAZR]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/19/ampd-mobile-to-offer-special-edition-razr/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/19/ampd-mobile-to-offer-special-edition-razr/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/19/ampd-mobile-to-offer-special-edition-razr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It may not be quite the do-anything-to-get-one gadget it once was (becoming a Monopoly piece has got to be some form of jumping the shark), but the Motorola RAZR still carries its fair share of cachet. At least Amp'd Mobile hopes so, with the MVNO recently officially announcing a special edition of the ubiquitous slimline handset (as speculated) in hopes of attracting more customers. The handset itself remains the same on the inside, of course -- the only changes being the proprietary Amp'd Live interface and a fresh coat of Amp'd signature pearl gray finish. For a limited time, however, customers will get a premium audio entertainment pack to go along with it, consisting of an in-ear headset, universal adapters to connect the RAZR to various other devices, and a 256MB microSD to make better use of the phone's multimedia features. Getting one will cost you $99 with a contract, or $199 less a $100 instant rebate with a Pay-As-You-Go or Hybrid pricing plan.

[Via The Wireless Report]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobilemotomotorolamvnorazrThu, 19 Oct 2006 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola RAZR coming to Amp'd?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/09/motorola-razr-coming-to-ampd/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/09/motorola-razr-coming-to-ampd/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/09/motorola-razr-coming-to-ampd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With all the CDMA RAZR love that seems to be going around these days, why not spread some over to the MVNO folks, too? That seems to be the thinking with Amp'd, anyway -- never mind the fact that the darned thing's K1m successor is out and about -- as an Amazon slideshow page for a T-Mobile branded V3 variant seems to reveal. Everything seems perfectly kosher right up until the second-to-last photograph, which curiously reveals "Amp'd Mobile" emblazoned across the back. Now, last time we checked, Amp'd was a CDMA MVNO and doesn't do much business with those crazy GSM T-Mobile types, so we're guessing some absentminded Amazon employee just put up the wrong pic. To be fair, the V3, V3i, V3c, and V3m are all barely distinguishable even to a trained eye -- but shouldn't the giant carrier logo silkscreened onto the phone be some sort of clue?

[Thanks, Will]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobilemotorazrmotorolarazrv3v3cv3mMon, 09 Oct 2006 22:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd gets licensing deal, $7.5 million infusion from up north]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/08/07/ampd-gets-licensing-deal-7-5-million-infusion-from-up-north/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/08/07/ampd-gets-licensing-deal-7-5-million-infusion-from-up-north/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/08/07/ampd-gets-licensing-deal-7-5-million-infusion-from-up-north/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Even as Amp'd has seemingly failed to live up to expectations in the US of A, the young MVNO is looking to expand its business outside its home borders -- though not quite as an MVNO. A deal with Telus gives the carrier exclusive rights to the Amp'd name in Canada, though instead of running its own virtual network, Amp'd will be turning the reigns over to Telus, which in turn will be offering Amp'd-branded goods and services directly. Meanwhile, subsidiary Telus Ventures has dropped a cool $7.5 million into Amp'd (purely a coincidence, we're sure), we're guessing as a little "thank you" for the deal. Look for Telus to light up Amp'd Canada early next year, though unfortunately for Canadian pre-paid fans, it sounds like only Amp'd's post-paid service will be making the jump.

[Via MocoNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd canadaamp'd mobileAmp'dCanadaAmp'dMobilecanadamvnotelustelus mobilitytelus venturesTelusMobilityTelusVenturesMon, 07 Aug 2006 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[New MVNOs finding themselves in a world of hurt]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/06/22/new-mvnos-finding-themselves-in-a-world-of-hurt/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/06/22/new-mvnos-finding-themselves-in-a-world-of-hurt/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/06/22/new-mvnos-finding-themselves-in-a-world-of-hurt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It may not come as a shock to most of us, but the Wall Street Journal is reporting that recent MVNO start-ups Mobile ESPN and Amp'd are learning a hard lesson in market over-saturation, falling well short of the high expectations set for them by their parent companies and investors. Despite the hundreds of millions of dollars pumped into both operations -- well over $300 million between them -- neither had managed to muster even 10,000 subscribers through May. While Mobile ESPN is doubling back to retool its game plan (pun intended), Amp'd presses on, claiming they need more time to influence their young target demographic through advertising. Sports scores on hideous phones apparently don't get you as far as they used to, it seems.

[Via MocoNews]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'dmobile espnMobileEspnmvnoThu, 22 Jun 2006 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Amp'd prepai'd deets emerge]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/06/01/ampd-prepaid-deets-emerge/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/06/01/ampd-prepaid-deets-emerge/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/06/01/ampd-prepaid-deets-emerge/#commentsFiled under:

Amp'd is finally adding a prepaid service option, especially appropriate given their young target demographic. Touted as "the first pay-as-you-go 3G wireless phone service," it looks like voice minutes and plain ol' SMS will run you 10 cents a pop, MMS messages come in at 25 cents, and speedy EV-DO data will be a relative bargain at 37.5 cents per MB (by comparison, Cingular can run you $10 per MB if you're not careful). There's a 25% surcharge tacked onto music track downloads over what postpaid customers shell out -- about $1.24 instead of 99 cents -- which sounds sketchy until you realize that your $1.24 covers the taxes and whatnot that the postpaid guys are going to be hit up with at the end of the month, anyway. We haven't heard a name being floated for the service yet, but "Prepai'd" is pretty clever, no?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'dampdprepaidThu, 01 Jun 2006 05:58:00 EST<![CDATA[PhoneTag for Amp'd: stalking friends and strangers in the real world]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/04/05/phonetag-for-ampd-stalking-friends-and-strangers-in-the-real-w/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/04/05/phonetag-for-ampd-stalking-friends-and-strangers-in-the-real-w/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/04/05/phonetag-for-ampd-stalking-friends-and-strangers-in-the-real-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Matt Damon and best friend/business partner Ben Affleck will soon be providing us with entertainment at more places than just the cineplex, as the two are set to take over the small screen as well -- on your cellphone. Unfortunately for fans of their acting talents, Damon and Affleck's contribution to the world of mobile content will come in the form of a video game from their production company, LivePlanet, that utilizes the location-awareness functionality on players' mobiles. Called PhoneTag, the subscription-based game is basically a real-world, touchless version of tag, where competitors join a match and use their handsets to track down friends or strangers in real world spaces, hitting a "capture" button when their prey is close enough. This online offering will be available exclusively from Amp'd Mobile, and will feature safehouses sponsored by establishments such as Starbucks, where players can congregate to become untraceable on their opponents' maps (and obviously pass the time drinking copious amounts of coffee).
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amp'damp'd mobileAmp'dMobileben affleckBenAffleckgamesgood will huntingGoodWillHuntinggpsliveplanetlocation-basedmatt damonMattDamonphonetagstarbucksvideogamesWed, 05 Apr 2006 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera Jet for Amp'd reviewed]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/03/30/kyocera-jet-for-ampd-reviewed/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/03/30/kyocera-jet-for-ampd-reviewed/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/03/30/kyocera-jet-for-ampd-reviewed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Besides the competitive pricing, the main draw of MVNO Amp'd's service is the multimedia offerings, and their Kyocera Jet handset apparently performs an admirable job at delivering audio and video content. PhoneScoop has taken their usual in-depth approach in reviewing the Jet, taking each of the phone's basic and advanced functions and putting them through their paces. Highlights of this model include good quality music playback, a comfortable and attractive design, bright, crisp screen, and above-average signal pickup. All is not perfect with the Jet, though, and the VGA camera (poor even for its class, opines PS), frustrating interface, and sub-battery life (expect to recharge at least once a day) may be deal breakers for potential customers, even if they are part of the young and hip demographic that Amp'd targets.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 30 Mar 2006 11:53:00 EST