A few years ago, a new acronym crept into our lexicon: the MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). This beast is a company that does not own a licensed frequency spectrum like Verizon or Cingular, but resells wireless services under their own brand name. But where this comes in contact with video is that some MVNO's turn your cell phone into a portable television.

ESPN Mobile is a much hyped virtual network, but so far results have not lived up to Disney's expectations. Another virtual network I try to keep an eye on is L.A.-based Amp'd because is has received some $250 million in venture funding to date, features mobile media from MTV, Universal Music Group, NBC, and Fox, among others.

Well, not much to report yet, but yesterday they said that nearly 50,000 of you have signed up after launching nine months ago, and they expect to add up to 25,000 in the next month. They also said that the average subscriber is generating more than $100 a month in revenue.

That last number is the one that caught my attention because (if true) it is a healthy sign that mobile television just might work. I have been long skeptical of the idea of cell phone television because I've never really understood why people would pay premium dollars to view itty-bitty content on their phone. But heck, if I turn out to be proven wrong, it would not be the first time.