SAN DIEGO—Leap Wireless International Inc. announced it will allow its Cricket customers to roam in other Cricket markets without paying an additional fee. The carrier also said it is pushing data services for its customers with a new WAP-based wireless portal and a new rate plan that includes unlimited mobile Web data access.
For $50, customers of Leap’s Cricket brand can get a plan that includes all-you-can-eat local and long-distance U.S. calling within a Cricket service area; unlimited voice mail, caller ID, call waiting and three-way calling; unlimited text, picture and instant messaging; unlimited mobile Web use; and access to a “national extended calling area.” Essentially, the national extended calling area means that Cricket customers who once were limited to their home calling area will be able to use Cricket services in other Cricket markets.
The $50 is $5 more than Leap’s current highest-priced plan. Customers on lower-priced plans can add unlimited mobile Web access for $5 per month. According to Leap, ringtones and graphic will cost between $2 and $3 per download, and games start at $2.
Leap’s new WAP portal will allow customers to access content such as ringtones, graphics and games; sports scores; local television and movie listings; news and Hollywood gossip, according to the carrier. Leap’s wireless storefront will allow customers to purchase content via SMS messaging.
“Our customers have already proved to be highly data savvy, sending approximately five times more text messages per month than the industry average,” said Al Moschner, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Leap. “We believe that this new service will be successful since we can target content to our customers.”
Leap also is offering various promotions to draw customers in the fourth quarter, including $20 off some handsets and free shipping for online orders. The carrier continues to offer the first month of service for free. Mail-in rebate offers are also available for two handsets from Kyocera Corp. until Nov. 13, according to the site.
Leap recently rolled out service in Kansas City and also plans to launch service soon in Portland, Ore., and its hometown of San Diego, Calif., according to its Web site. The carrier currently offers coverage in 49 markets in 22 states.
