US-based mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Amp’d Mobile, Inc. will make its Canadian debut on the Telus Mobility network early next year, the western Canadian telecom company recently announced.

Telus plans to distribute Amp’d-branded content such as music, 3D mobile games, video streaming of live sports and music concerts, mobile communities, customizable features and more over its EvDO high-speed network, using LA-based Amp’d Mobile’s proprietary Amp’d Live environment.

The Canadian firm also holds the rights for the Amp’d trademark for use with data services, handsets and content delivery within Canada. Those rights mean Telus will likely launch a fully branded Amp’d phone package to compete with those currently offered by Bell Mobility's Virgin Mobile brand, another MVNO. As part of that agreement, of course, Telus will handle all back-office functions such as billing, customer service, Canadian network operations, and pricing.

Telus has also taken a US$7.5-million stake in Amp’d Mobile through its Telus Ventures private equity investment arm.

According to the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, the number of subscribers to pre-paid mobile phone services in Canada is on the upswing, climbing from 267,000 in 2004 to 400,000 last year. A large chunk of that belongs to Virgin Mobile – approximately 250,000, according to a recent statement by Virgin founder Richard Branson. Telus itself says it has picked up 180,000 pre-paid customers since the beginning of 2005.