Verizon seeking to terminate Amp'd service

Verizon Wireless is seeking to terminate its network capacity deal with embattled Amp'd Mobile, filing court papers claiming the MVNO is almost out of cash while racking up charges of $370,000 per day. According to the Associated Press, Verizon wants to cut ties with Amp'd unless the virtual operator secures a debtor-in-possession loan to finance its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings: "Based on the record of this case and the fact that [Amp'd] has been given ample opportunity (over 46 days) to secure debtor-in-possession financing which has not materialized, this court should not permit this case to be run for a single additional day on Verizon Wireless' back," Verizon wrote in court papers filed Tuesday.

The AP said Amp'd Mobile has accumulated $15.6 million in charges to Verizon Wireless since filing for bankruptcy June 1. The company already owed Verizon $41 million prior to seeking Chapter 11 protection. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Brendan L. Shannon in Wilmington, Del., previously ruled Amp'd could pay $2.5 million to Verizon in order to continue operations on the VZW network, but Verizon now says Amp'd is "unlikely" to land financing, and it should no longer be required to provide network access if Amp'd can't pay its debts. According to Verizon, Amp'd will have just $9,000 in its coffers as of Monday.

"The reality is that the debtor has no funds with which to pay Verizon Wireless absent a 'real' debtor-in-possession loan or an infusion of equity, neither of which has been made available," Verizon stated. "While it is not the court's responsibility to second-guess the debtor's business decisions, it is the court's responsibility to protect creditors' interests from the actions of inexperienced, incapable or foolhardy management."

For more on the Verizon/Amp'd soap opera:
- read this Associated Press article

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