Ampd users can't move phones to Verizon or Sprint

If you are an Amp'd customer, you're out of luck in more ways than one; despite what Amp'd says, it seems that you won't be able to move your cell phone to another network. We contacted both Sprint and Verizon, and they both told us that they won't be allowing users to use an Amp'd phone on their networks.

Amp'd claimed on their site that users would be able to take their Ampd phone to a new provider "if your service provider of choice uses CDMA". But it seems that both of the networks that use the same CDMA technology didn't get the memo; both Verzion and Sprint told us that they would not be allowing users to connect their Amp'd phone to their networks. Sprint spokesperson Amy Schicksa-Lombard told us that "As a standard policy Sprint does not allow phones from other carriers to be activated and used on its network.", adding that they had no plans at the moment to make an exception for Amp'd users.

Verizon Wireless said pretty much the same thing: Spokesperson Brenda Raney told us that "It is unlikely the Amp'd phones will be activated because they were so customized to that company. The products, services and user interface was specifically designed for Amp'd." Verizon provided the network for Amp'd, but the company ran a number of services (such as streaming audio) that were not run by Verizon. So, it seems that former Amp'd users may be left with cell phones that can't be used. While phones that use the rival GSM standard can usually be unlocked from their home network and tied to another by swapping a SIM card, CDMA phones have to be individually authorized, and it doesn't seem like either company is interested in doing this.

Neither company seems in a particular hurry to try and pick up these customers, either; both companies told us that they weren't planning any special deals or offers to lure these companies to their network. Mind you, given that nearly half of Amp'd users didn't bother paying their bills, perhaps that's for the best.