Leap Wireless, parent company of the Cricket brand, plans to deploy LTE across approximately two-thirds of its current network footprint over the next two to three year

Leap Wireless, parent company of the Cricket brand, plans to deploy LTE across approximately two-thirds of its current network footprint over the next two to three years, with a commercial trial market scheduled to be launched in late 2011. 

The Company plans to cover approximately 25 million residents with LTE network technology in 2012. According to company, aggregate capital expenditures for LTE deployment are expected to be less than $10 per covered POP. Total capital expenditures for 2011 are expected to be between $425 million and $475 million, primarily to support the ongoing maintenance, development and growth of the Company’s network in its operating markets and the initial deployment of LTE network technology.

“We believe that our solid balance sheet and strong operating results provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our growing operations and our current business initiatives, including our planned launch of LTE,” said Walter Berger, Leap’s executive vice-president and chief financial officer.