LOS ANGELES-Mobile virtual network operator Amp’d Mobile Inc. continued to expand its offerings with the introduction of several family plans, which the MVNO is selling as “shared” plans. Interestingly, the plans are far more aggressive-and offer far more minutes-than the family plans from the rest of the nation’s carriers, including Verizon Wireless.
Amp’d Mobile’s service runs on Verizon Wireless’ CDMA2000 1x EV-DO network.
According to an examination by Current Analysis’ William Ho, Amp’d Mobile’s new family plans range from $60 for 1,000 anytime minutes to 6,000 anytime minutes for $200 for two people. Subscribers can add up to three additional lines for $10 per line.
The MVNO’s offerings stand at the top of the pack when compared with the family plans from the rest of the nation’s carriers, according to Ho’s analysis. The closest offering comes from T-Mobile USA Inc., which sells 700 anytime minutes for $60. Verizon Wireless, offers family plans starting at $70 for 700 anytime minutes. At the high end of the scale, Cingular Wireless L.L.C. and Verizon Wireless offer 4,000 minutes for $200.
“The Share plans give the MVNO a good foundation going into the holiday selling season,” Ho wrote in his research note.
However, Ho pointed out that Amp’d Mobile does fall short by not offer unlimited night and weekend calling on its Shared plan, as is standard practice by its competitors.
