Huawei Hops to LeapHuawei Hops to Leap

PLANO, Texas -- Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (“Huawei”), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications networks for carriers around the world, today announced that it has signed a 3G agreement with Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ:LEAP), a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless communications services, for deployment of Huawei’s latest third-generation CDMA solutions by Leap. The agreement represents the first commercial contract between Leap and Huawei. According to the agreement, Leap will deploy Huawei technology with its Cricket® wireless services in Spokane, Wash., Boise, Idaho, and Reno, Nev.

The contract calls for a Huawei CDMA2000 network with 1xEV-DO Rev A capable BTS. The solutions will include Huawei’s SoftX3000-Softswitch, Air Bridge BSC6600, UMG8900-Universal Media Gateway, and High Capacity BTS 3606. This architecture brings to Leap the benefits of IP telephony in terms of quality of service, security, reliability, and cost-effective networking. The implementation of this distributed network will reduce the long-distance backhaul while simultaneously supporting 1xEV-DO Rev 0 and Rev A.

“We are honored that Huawei has earned an award in the United States from a key carrier such as Leap Wireless,” said Ken Hu, Chief Sales and Services Officer of Huawei. “We are excited at the long-term prospects associated with this partnership. Huawei will consistently provide innovative and customized products and services to create long-term value and potential growth for Leap.”

“We selected Huawei as a strategic partner based on their successful technical certification in our network, their outstanding product roadmap, and our common focus on quality and cost leadership,” said Glenn Umetsu, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Leap.

Huawei is a leading supplier of next generation network equipment for telecom operators around the world. Currently, Huawei’s customized and innovative CDMA solutions serve more than 40 million CDMA subscribers worldwide. The company has more than 3,000 engineers engaged in CDMA research and development.

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.

Leap Wireless International Inc. (Nasdaq: LEAP)