MVNO Amp'd Mobile has signed deals with CBS and UPN to supply Amp'd subscribers with mobile video content. Amp'd plans to launch its MVNO by the end of the year. CBS reportedly held up the deal for a few weeks (it was supposed to be announced before Thanksgiving) for undisclosed reasons. The networks will provide behind-the-scenes footage, previews, interviews and show clips. CBS' contributions include CSI: NY, Numb3rs, The King of Queens and the Late Show with David Letterman, while UPN brings Everybody Hates Chris and an exclusive deal with America's Next Top Model. CBS said it was particularly interested in Amp'd's expectedly young subscriber base, drawing comparisons for some to its deal with Verizon Wireless' VCast.
The content deal was widely anticipated as is a huge round of VC, but the backers and networks/studios were not known. Amp'd has still yet to announce the recent VC backing, but insiders say tomorrow we'll get a look at the green. Amp'd raised $67 million in early 2005 from Highland Capital, Columbia Capital, Redpoint Ventures and Universal Music.
For more on Amp'd mobile content deals:
- read this press release