SAN DIEGO-Amp’d Mobile Inc. is moving closer to the launch of its mobile virtual network operator service, saying it’s planning a soft launch of services on Dec. 15. The soft launch plans include allowing consumers that have signed up for service through the company’s Web site to begin customizing their handsets, which are to be shipped before the end of the year.
Amp’d Mobile has said its service will target the increasingly attractive youth market with a heavy-dose of wireless multimedia applications using Verizon Wireless’ CDMA2000 1x EV-DO network.
Amp’d Mobile also said it plans to offer a downloadable music service that mimics Apple Computer Inc.’s iTunes service in charging customers 99 cents per song. Amp’d noted that customers are not likely to pay the $2.50 per song charge currently being charged by Sprint Nextel Corp.’s downloadable music service when a consumer can add music from their own collection for free. Amp’d added that its pricing model was not set in stone and that it would follow any changes made by Apple.
