Release
SOURCE: Leap Wireless International, Inc.
Leap Wireless International to Offer Innovative Wireless Data Services Provided by Wireless Knowledge, a Microsoft and Qualcomm Joint Venture
- Customers to Benefit Both in the United States and Internationally -
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Wireless communications carrier Leap Wireless International, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWIN - news) today announced that it plans to offer access to cutting-edge wireless data services provided by Wireless Knowledge, the new joint venture between Microsoft and Qualcomm Incorporated. In conjunction with its strategic partners, Leap Wireless is building or anticipates building Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks in Mexico, Chile, Australia, Russia and the United States. Leap Wireless is currently evaluating when and where it will offer these new services. The company's plans would allow customers of Leap Wireless operating companies to access e-mail, calendars, contact databases and other essential information and applications regardless of their location or type of mobile device used. Under the plans, end-users would be able to connect to the Internet and their own business networks using digital phones, pagers, web access terminals (e.g. smart TVs and web kiosks) and computers running the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE, Windows(R) 95/98 or Windows NT(R) operating systems.
''We are delighted to be associated with this new collaboration between Qualcomm, a leader in wireless innovation, and Microsoft,'' said Harvey P. White, chairman and CEO of Leap Wireless International. ''Our networks will enable untethered communication anywhere in the world, and these services will add significant value to the features we provide our customers. In the future, these services should make information accessible to people from all walks of life, from consumers surfing the web for the best airfares to international business travelers looking up stock quotes,'' Mr. White said.
Leap Wireless is exploring applications of the new services from Wireless Knowledge both in the United States and internationally. In the United States, Leap Wireless owns a 5.8% interest in Chase Telecommunications, which launched PCS service in Chattanooga, Tenn., in September and plans to launch in Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis in 1999. Leap Wireless has also filed an assignment application with the Federal Communications Commission to acquire four 10 MHz F block licenses covering 3.27 million potential customers (POPs) in the cities of Charlotte, Greensboro and Hickory, N.C. and Greenwood, S.C.
For carriers, the Wireless Knowledge platform model will enable rapid implementation of low-cost, value-added data services and applications. Wireless Knowledge services are expected to rollout for beta testing in early 1999, with launches in major North American markets proceeding through the remainder of the year.
Based in San Diego, California, Leap Wireless believes the world is going wireless and CDMA is the technology of choice to increase the teledensity that is critical to economic growth. For each of its ventures, Leap Wireless expects to be actively involved in the management of the networks, combining its experience in international markets with its wireless technical expertise in CDMA. Leap Wireless is dedicated to bringing the benefits of reliable, cost-effective and high-quality voice and data services to domestic and emerging markets. For more information about Leap Wireless, please call investor relations at 619-882-6111 or visit the company's web site at leapwireless.com.
Wireless Knowledge, a QUALCOMM and Microsoft company, based in San Diego, California, enables wireless carriers to deliver on the convergence of wireless communications and information technology with the delivery of productivity and information services in an airlink and device independent environment. For more information, please visit wirelessknowledge.com.
This news release contains certain ''forward-looking statements.'' Forward-looking statements, which are based upon certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are generally identifiable by use of the words ''believe,'' ''expect,'' ''intend,'' ''plan,'' ''anticipate,'' ''estimate
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