SAN DIEGO-Leap Wireless International Inc. launched service in Fresno, Calif., extending its footprint throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Leap also offers service south of Fresno in Visalia, as well as north into Modesto and Merced.
“Fresno is a bridge between our existing operational markets in the Visalia, Modesto and Merced areas, and we believe it provides a significant growth opportunity for our Cricket business in California,” said Doug Hutcheson, president and chief executive officer of Leap.
Leap said the launch as well as recent enhancements to its other networks in the area will double the potential customers covered in the San Joaquin Valley to about 2 million.
Leap announced late last year that it would spend between $28 million and $33 million for the Fresno network launch and area enhancements. The carrier previously acquired 30 megahertz of spectrum in the 1.9 GHz bands covering the Fresno area from Alpine-Fresno C L.L.C. for $27.1 million.
Leap added that excluding that planned sale of its four Michigan operations to Verizon Wireless, the carrier now covers 27.2 million pops across 37 launched markets.
