Leap promotes unlimited, prepaid wireless broadband

Leap Wireless, which operates under the Cricket brand, says it is on track to bring its $40 per month unlimited EV-DO Rev A data services to customers in all of its markets by the end of the year. The service, promoted as a DSL or cable alternative, is distinct not only for its low price but because it is offered to customers on a prepaid basis, without credit checks or a service contract. Its target users are low-income customers who do not have broadband Internet services in their homes. The service works on Windows-based PCs that connect to the network via a USB modem.

Leap said it currently has the $40 service, which it promotes as $1.33 per day, commercially available in some markets in Texas and in Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, and St. Louis. It promises unlimited access but prohibits VoIP calls or use of the network to run servers.

Leap had a subscriber base of 3.3 million as of the second quarter 2008, of which 14,000 were wireless broadband customers. It intends to have 100,000 wireless broadband customers by year end.

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