Los Angeles - Amp'd Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that targets a youth audience with its entertainment-focused mobile phone service, has filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection.

In a statement released over the weekend, the company reassured subscribers that their service would remain uninterrupted during the process.

"As a result of our rapid growth, our back-end infrastructure was unable to keep up with customer demand. We are taking this step as a necessary and responsible action to sustain and strengthen our momentum in the market place," Amp'd said on its website.

The company added that it is working with its largest investors to obtain debtor-in-possession financing.

Launched in late 2005, the Amp'd service rents airtime from Verizon Wireless to resell to its customers, like fellow MVNOs Helio, Virgin Mobile and the now-defunct ESPN Mobile.

Amp'd currently claims around 200,000 subscribers, and has raised a total of $360 million in financing to date.

Related Links:
http://get.ampd.com/About/Press/Official_Statement.php

http://tinyurl.com/2ydjzd (CNET)

http://tinyurl.com/2s4z3b (Billboard)

http://www.ampd.com