LOS ANGELES-Mobile virtual network operator Amp’d Mobile Inc. made its long-awaited and much-hyped soft launch through its Web site, offering a range of postpaid calling plans that include an unlimited calling option and push-to-talk capabilities, as well as a trio of CDMA2000 1x EV-DO handset options. The Amp’d service uses Verizon Wireless’ network.
The service plans start at $30 a month for 250 anytime minutes, and include unlimited night and weekend calling as well as unlimited in-network calling once a customer uses up their bucket of anytime minutes. Customers can also add unlimited PTT services, which use Kodiak Networks’ RTX platform, for $1 per day. The plans escalate up to $200 per month for unlimited cellular and PTT calling as well as a free handset with a two-year contract.
The plans also include access to Amp’d Live, the MVNO’s multimedia content service, and mobile Web access, plus a free sample of Amp’d content that will allows users to get a taste of personalizing their phones with songs, ringtones, videos, wallpaper and screensavers. For the first three months, data transfer charges for downloading and streaming are waved with any rate plan. The $200 per month plan includes all services with no limit on use.
Amp’d has said it plans to also offer prepaid rate plans shortly after launch.
The initial handset selection is limited to a pair of Kyocera Corp. slider models that differ only in color. The black model is dubbed “Jet,” while the white model called “Angel.” Both handsets sell for $129, which is more than the company’s original plan to offer the entry-level handsets for $99.
Amp’d plans to offer a black version of the Motorola Inc. E815-rechristened “Hollywood”- beginning next year. The carrier had originally planned to offer a Motorola slider handset, which has yet to make an appearance.
