Leap Wireless International Inc. said it will allow its Cricket customers to roam in Cricket markets across the country without paying an additional fee. The carrier also announced a new WAP-based wireless portal and a new rate plan that includes unlimited mobile Web data access.
The carrier, which recently surpassed the 2 million customer market, said the national extended calling area means that Cricket customers who once were limited to their home calling area will be able to use their Cricket phones in other Cricket markets. The carrier currently offers service in 49 markets across 22 states. Leap previously charged customers a monthly premium for roaming in adjacent markets.
Leap also continues to offer its Travel Time option that allows customers to prepay for roaming onto Verizon Wireless’ nationwide network at a rate of 69 cents per minute.
Leap also unveiled a new high-end rate plan that for $50 per month includes all-you-can-eat local and long-distance U.S. calling within a Cricket service area; unlimited voice mail, caller ID, call waiting; three-way calling; unlimited text, picture and instant messaging; unlimited mobile Web use; and access to its extended calling area. The $50 rate plan 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.
Data expansion
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. Customers can also purchase content via SMS messaging, with ringtones and graphic costing between $2 and $3 per download, and games starting at $2.
“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 carrier’s 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.
