US : Kyocera Wireless and newly formed Amp'd Mobile today announced that Kyocera Wireless will provide the new carrier's first entry-tier CDMA2000(R) 1x Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) handset later in 2005.

Amp'd Mobile will be the first fully-integrated mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) for youth and young adults utilizing the Verizon Wireless broadband EV-DO 3G network.

Amp'd Mobile is leveraging EV-DO network technology, the fastest wide-area wireless data capabilities available today, to significantly raise the enjoyment and usefulness of the mobile phone experience. While Amp'd will also offer traditional voice services, its phones will include a fresh user interface and access to unique, relevant content to fit the distinct preferences of the user's lifestyle. Amp'd will put a distinctive stamp on its compelling music, lifestyle, entertainment, sports and gaming content that will immediately and directly appeal to young phone users and early adopters.

"The Amp'd management team's proven track record of working with youth and young adults meshes perfectly with Kyocera's strong brand presence in those market segments," said Tsuyoshi Mano, president of Kyocera Wireless Corp. "We're excited to provide Amp'd with phones that are every bit as ambitious and dynamic as the unique Amp'd service offerings."

To increase its success in reaching the youth market, Amp'd Mobile is looking to Kyocera Wireless as one of the phone manufacturers that will provide handsets for its initial product lineup. Specifically, Amp'd will call on Kyocera's reputation for making stylish, easy-to-use entry-level handsets that appeal to fashion-conscious and price-sensitive teens, college students and young adults alike. Kyocera Wireless will leverage its vast experience providing brand-focused phones for MVNOs and its rich EV-DO development resources from parent company Kyocera Corporation to provide Amp'd with attractive, high-volume handsets.

"We are excited to work with Kyocera on the joint development of one of our most high-volume handsets for launch," said Peter Adderton, founder and CEO, Amp'd Mobile. "Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to mobile phones, Kyocera understands that the youth market requires more personalization -- they want phones that match their lifestyle in terms of design and functionality, but still at an affordable price. We look forward to working with partners like Kyocera to create the unique, relevant Amp'd experience."

The Amp'd Advantage

Amp'd Mobile plans to offer traditional wireless services that appeal to the youth and young adult market coupled with a uniquely designed user interface (UI) that allows easy access to all the relevant 3G content that this segment demands, including music, lifestyle, entertainment, sports and gaming. Amp'd Mobile plans to create exclusive content and live event coverage specifically made to appeal to the more demanding "on the go" mobile user. The 3G network allows Amp'd Mobile to bring a richer video and music experience directly to the palm of your hand with various channels for different audiences, similar to cable networks' ability to target through programming. Amp'd Mobile's exciting content partnerships will be released at a later date.

In keeping with its fresh approach, Amp'd Mobile will give numerous customization options to its members while providing a tremendous value. The company also plans to offer walkie-talkie (push-to-talk) on all handsets, offering instant communication to users. Users will be able to select from pre-paid or post-paid payment methods. Amp'd plans to put a greater focus on online purchases and customization with a select group of retail locations and completely personalized content to best suit each person's individual needs. The service will launch later in 2005.