Leap launches mass-market monthly calling plans

Leap Wireless International Inc. introduced two more calling plans to be distributed through four big-box retailers, and plans to push its mobile broadband product via 1,000 more retail locations. The company, which already sells its PayGo daily plans though Wal-Mart and Dollar General stores, did not name the new distributors, but said the monthly plans will be added to existing PayGo daily products.
The all-inclusive packages cost $40 and $45 per month, and will only be sold through the mass retailers. Interestingly, the $40 and $45 price tags include taxes and other fees. The $40 plan features unlimited talk, U.S. long distance, access to Cricket’s premium extended calling area, as well as domestic and international text and picture messaging. The $45 plan adds unlimited mobile Web and directory assistance.
In addition, the flat-rate carrier said its Cricket Broadband will soon be available in nearly 1,000 national retailer stores through a new all-inclusive $50 monthly service plan. This price tag also includes fees and taxes. The Cricket A600 modem will be available as a grab-and-go offering for $70 with no activation fee. In addition, Leap will sell $50 top-up cards for the service.
Prepaid services have gained a lot of traction in recent months with the tighter economy and more competition.