IP Democracy: Amp'd Pushes the Envelope with Original Content

The New York Times’ Fred Bierman has this piece today on Amp’d Mobile, the MVNO backed by MTV Networks and Universal Music, among others. Bierman uses as his jumping off point comedy writer Donick Cary, who has developed an edgy parody of the Bush Administration called “Lil’ Bush.”

Amp’d let Cary, who was a writer for “The Simpsons,” “Late Show With David Letterman” and other top-notch comedy shows (but nonetheless was having trouble finding the right work), have free rein to create what he wanted. The result is a mobile phone entertainment series with truly original content.

Amp’d, which also streams live TV channels from Fox Sports and Spike, in addition to selling video games, other original video creations and music, is pricey - $30 to $150 per month. But, the original content is obviously a big draw. Amp’d generates an average $100/customer per month and just finished its third round of financing, raising $150 million in the process.

Posted by Cynthia Brumfield on September 11, 2006 9:21 AM to IP Democracy