Leap Wireless extends Lucent deal

by Reily Gregson

SAN DIEGO-Leap Wireless International Inc. said it has almost tripled its existing agreement with Lucent Technologies Inc. to purchase and sell network equipment to Leap’s subsidiary, Cricket.

Leap will purchase approximately $900 million in wireless infrastructure equipment and an array of Lucent’s Net Care deployment services, Leap said. This builds on a deal first announced last September for $330 million in equipment and services.

Additionally, the two companies said they have substantially expanded the financing available to Cricket for these purchases and for additional related network costs.