Friday March 31, 1:37 PM, LWIN to Acquire Three Operating Licenses in
Southwest; Unique Cricket Service Makes Wireless Simple, Affordable and
Worry-Free
SAN DIEGO, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Wireless communications carrier Leap Wireless International, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWIN - news) today announced that
it has signed an agreement to purchase PCS operating licenses in Phoenix, Ariz., Reno, Nev., and Roswell, N.M., for an undisclosed amount from Beta
Communications, L.L.C. At closing, this acquisition will add approximately 3.7 million POPs (potential customers) to the Company's holdings for use by its
domestic subsidiary, Cricket Communications, Inc. Completion of the acquisition is subject to certain conditions including approval of the license transfer
from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
``This agreement expands our property portfolio, allowing us to bring the benefits of the simple, affordable, flat-rate Cricket(SM) service to additional
markets in the Southwest,' said Susan G. Swenson, president and chief operating officer of Leap and president and chief executive officer of Cricket.
``Cricket is changing the way people communicate in the area where they live, work and play. We believe this speeds the creation of a wireless world for
everyone.'
About Cricket Communications, Inc.
Cricket Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, is changing the way people communicate locally by expediting the transition of
wireless communications into a mass consumer product. Cricket service, called ``Comfortable Wireless(SM)' and the ``around-town phone(SM),' lets
customers make and receive virtually unlimited calls within their local service area for one low, flat rate. Priced competitively with landline service, Cricket
has achieved remarkable penetration in its first two markets, Nashville and Chattanooga, Tenn. Cricket service also allows customers to make long
distance calls by paying for these calls in advance. While roaming is not available, the local service area provides coverage where people live, work, and
play. Leap plans to launch Cricket service in 25 markets by the end of 2001. For more information, please visit www.cricketcommunications.com. |
