Ericsson & Leap Wireless International Sign USD 330 Million Mobile Infrastructreu

Ericsson and Leap Wireless International Sign USD 330 Million Mobile Infrastructure Agreement Ericsson and wireless communications carrier Leap Wireless International, Inc. today announced a signed agreement to provide USD 330 million in mobile network equipment for Leap's U.S. subsidiary, Cricket Communications. Ericsson will supply and install state-of-the-art digital mobile systems that will provide next-generation voice and multimedia data services based on the phase one cdma2000 standard, known as 1XRTT. Ericsson will provide Radio Base Stations (RBS), CMS 11 Base Station Controllers (BSC), switching equipment, and a full portfolio of services including network design, deployment and training. In connection with sales of equipment, Ericsson will provide Leap with vendor financing that will be used for equipment, services and operations needed to expand its wireless network in various markets across the United States. The Ericsson agreement is part of Leap's strategy to work with multiple world- class infrastructure vendors. "We're proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of Cricket's innovative service offering," said Åke Persson, president of Ericsson's CDMA Systems business unit. "As a leading supplier of CDMA solutions, Ericsson is committed to providing high quality networks to Leap Wireless International and all of its operations, and we look forward to a strong relationship over the long term." "We are pleased to be working closely with Ericsson as it continues to develop state-of-the-art CDMA infrastructure equipment," said Harvey P. White, chairman and CEO of Leap. "We believe that our relationship with a world-renowned vendor like Ericsson will allow us to provide the highest- quality wireless service to Cricket and Leap customers." "We believe that Ericsson's expertise in designing and supporting premier communications solutions will be important to Cricket's success as it rolls out across the United States," said Susan G. Swenson, president of Leap and CEO of Cricket. cdmaOne is one of the fastest growing wireless technologies in the world, currently serving close to 35 million subscribers. Ericsson's cdmaOne networks deliver the full advantages of CDMA technology for strong performance in mobile, fixed and data applications. cdmaOne networks offer a clear migration path to cdma2000, enabling operators to evolve their networks to provide the full range of third generation services. The financing agreement described above is subject to Ericsson obtaining the approval of its Board of Directors. This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which are based upon certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of Leap Wireless International, are generally identifiable by use of the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project" or similar expressions. The ability of Leap to predict actual results and other future events is inherently uncertain. Important factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein or in other public statements by Leap are described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Leap's Information Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 1998. Those risk factors include the uncertainties relating to costs and profitability and the ability to raise sufficient capital for continued expansion and operation. Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. Please visit Ericsson's Press Room at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Ericsson Contacts: Michelle French, Media Relations Phone: 1-858-332-5241; Fax: 1-858-332-7203 Email: m.french@ericsson.com Eric Österberg, Communications Director Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 590 05 99 Email: eric.osterberg@lme.ericsson.se Leap Wireless International Contacts: Sarah Thailing, Media Relations Phone: 1-858-882-6018; Fax:1-858-882-6030 Email: sthailing@leapwireless.com Jim Seines, Investor Relations Phone: 1-858-882-6084 Fax: 1-858-882-6030 Email: jseines@leapwireless.com COMPANY INFORMATION About Cricket Communications, Inc. Cricket Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of Leap Wireless International; plans to change the way people communicate by bringing wireless communications to the U.S. mass consumer market. Cricket's service, called "Comfortable SM SM Wireless" and the "around-town phone," has been operating in Chattanooga, Tennessee since early 1999 using Chase Telecommunications' infrastructure and licenses under an agreement that provides that ChaseTel controls the business until Leap's proposed acquisition of ChaseTel is complete. Cricket's service lets customers make and receive unlimited calls within their local service area for one low, flat rate. Cricket's 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 has rights to acquire licenses to offer the Cricket service to approximately 24 million potential subscribers (1998 POPs) in markets across the country such as Albuquerque, N.M., Charlotte, N.C., Dayton, Ohio, Little Rock, Ark., Memphis and Nashville, Tenn., Salt Lake City, Utah, Spokane, Wash., Tucson, Ariz., Tulsa, Okla., and Wichita, Kans. About Leap Wireless International, Inc. Leap Wireless International, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, Calif., is a wireless communications carrier that deploys, owns and operates wireless networks in domestic and international markets with strong growth potential. Through its operating companies, Leap has launched all-digital wireless service in the United States, Mexico, Chile and Russia. Leap 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, please visit www.leapwireless.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/21/19990921BIT00350/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/21/19990921BIT00350/bit0002.pdf