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Let the rumors begin: AT&T, Leap reportedly talking

Joe — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:21:44 +0000

Shortly after its bid for T-Mobile fell through, AT&T started seeking alternative sources of spectrum. Unsurprisingly, Leap Wireless was on that list. We heard low level rumblings of interest a month ago, but now it appears that things are at least slightly more serious. According to a Wall Street Journal report, AT&T is talking to Leap and MetroPCS, among others. It’s pretty clear that they’re in the beginning stages, where they’re assessing the market. Given that no available company holds nearly as much spectrum as T-Mobile, we could perhaps see AT&T try to acquire more than one regional carrier. This will probably move slow, as AT&T has reason to be cautious this time around. But don’t be surprised to see them make a big splash in 2012, perhaps involving Cricket, MetroPCS, or both.

Via IntoMobile.

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Cricket making voice calls more efficient

Joe — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:30:20 +0000

Cricket appears to be searching for any possible way to further stretch its spectrum. This could be crucial, with LTE on the horizon. Its latest development: CDMA 1X Advanced for voice calls. That might not sound very advanced, since 1X compared to EVDO is like dial-up internet compared to DSL. But Cricket plans to use this for voice calls, since it can handle them much better than the current CDMA200 1X networks. There are a lot of acronyms in there, but the long and short is that this CDMA 1X Advanced development will lessen the strain on Cricket’s network. They currently have only one handset, the Huawei Mercury, but it plans to include it on “all of its new feature phones by the third quarter of 2012.”

Via FierceWireless.

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Leap looking at session-based data, Sprint as LTE partner

Joe — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:30:28 +0000

Leap Wireless CEO Doug Hutcheson spoke last week at a Citigroup investor event, and he wasn’t just blowing the normal smoke. He actually talked about significant changes that could greatly affect how Cricket moves through 2012. The first, via Phone Scoop, is session-based data plans. That is, data usage would come on-demand, rather than as a flat monthly fee. This will help more evenly distribute how much customers pay for data. Those needing more and faster connections will pay more, while those needing less will pay less. Carriers have been reluctant to do this in the past, since it brings unpredictable revenue. But with many companies complaining about a spectrum shortage, this is one possible solution.

The other, and perhaps more realistic, item, via CED Magazine, involves Cricket working with Sprint on an LTE network. Cricket already has a roaming agreement with Sprint, and both companies are rolling out LTE networks. Hutcheson said that Leap is “very willing” to expand the LTE agreement to include roaming. Of course, this ignores whether Sprint is amenable to such an agreement. But the two companies do seem to work well together.

This actually brings up another point. On Friday I wrote about how 2012 could be a big year for Cricket. AT&T could seek to acquire them after failing to nab T-Mobile. But considering how closely they’ve worked, and their need to expand spectrum and customer base, Sprint might actually make more sense. They also use the same CDMA network technology, which would help any potential transition.

While nothing definitive came from Hutcheson’s talk, it did bring up many possibilities. If nothing else, it reaffirms that there’s plenty ahead for Cricket in 2012.

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MetroPCS, Cricket could be in for big 2012

Joe — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:30:30 +0000

It seems a little early for earnings reports, but that’s what we got yesterday from both MetroPCS and Cricket. Unfortunately, neither fared particularly well in the fourth quarter when compared to the same period last year. Metro added 197,000 subscribers, down from 298,000 last year, while Cricket added 175,000, down from 300,000. In terms of churn both companies stayed relatively level year-over-year, though Cricket appears to have lowered its rate a bit. That wraps up 2011 for both companies, but what lies ahead in 2012 could be quite exciting.

After AT&T’s failed takeover of T-Mobile, they’re exploring other ways to acquire spectrum. Verizon already jumped in on Cox’s spectrum, leaving AT&T with fewer places to turn. While the government wasn’t ready to approve the 2nd and 4th largest wireless carriers merging, perhaps it would be more amenable if AT&T went after the 5th or 6th biggest carrier.

AT&T would probably rather pick up both. After all, both are regional carriers and only own so much spectrum. Picking up both probably wouldn’t even give them as much as the T-Mobile deal would have. It wouldn’t have brought in the same number of customers, either. T-Mobile has over 20 million subscribers, while MetroPCS and Cricket have just over 15 million between them.

At the same time, both companies are moving forward with their own initiatives. Cricket has started rolling out LTE networks, and is doing well with its Muve Music service. MetroPCS already has a few LTE networks, has plans for further expansion, and has a few other ticks up its sleeve. As we learned yesterday, they’re bringing live local TV to their smartphones in 2012. It promises to be a big year for both companies.

Numbers via FierceWireless.

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Cricket goes live with LTE in Tuscon

Joe — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:30:02 +0000

The clock is running out on 2011, but Cricket came in just ahead of the buzzer. They have officially launched their first LTE market in Tuscon, Arizona. As expected, Cricket is starting by offering a USB modem rather than a smartphone. The device, the Huawei Boltz, costs $149.99. It will work on both Cricket’s LTE and CDMA networks. The plans come in two tiers, though both allow users to use 5GB per month. The first provides speeds of 3Mbps (think high-end DSL) for $50 per month, or 6Mbps (slightly slower than cable) for $60. If you’re in the Tuscon market you can pick up a modem and a plan at Cricket’s website.

Via Phone Scoop.

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Cricket launches Huawei Mercury

Joe — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:03:32 +0000

Click for larger

In November we learned of the Huawei Glory, a high-end that was set to hit Cricket before year’s end. It features a high-powered 1.4GHz processor, a big 854×480 resolution screen, and an 8-megapixel camera. Today Cricket announced the availability of the phone, now known as the Mercury. Cricket’s best Android smartphone is now available for $249.99, and is available with a $55 plan. You can get the Glory and an unlimited plan at Cricket’s website.

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Cricket launching the Galaxy Tab 10.1

Joe — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:30:12 +0000

Earlier this year we learned that Cricket planned to begin offering tablets at some point in 2012. Shortly thereafter, though, they decided to back off. This wouldn’t be a typical tablet from a cell carrier, with 3G internet connection. Instead it would be a WiFi-only device that works with Cricket’s mobile broadband service via a portable hotspot. It’s understandable, then, why they backed off; there wasn’t a unique value add. Now it appears they will offer a tablet after all, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. It’s available now.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is one of the higher end Android tablets on the market, coming close to or exceeding the iPad in most features. It’s also priced right in the iPad range, which is one reason why there hasn’t been too much hype for it. As with its original tablet plan, Cricket will offer the WiFi-only Galaxy Tab, bundling it with a month of their broadband service and a portable hotspot for a $594.99. Thereafter customers can get 2.5GB for $45, 5GB for $55, or 7.5GB for $65.

Customers seeking an alternative to the iPad will do well with the Galaxy Tab. The portable hotspot and mobile broadband service from Cricket helps even more. It gets expensive at near $600 up front, but it gives customers a chance to see if they really need mobile broadband. If not, they can drop it without further cost.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 bundle is now available at Cricket’s website.

Via FierceWireless.

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Cricket’s Huawei Ascend II now with Muve Music

Joe — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:30:28 +0000

All the way back in July Cricket released a mid-range Android handset, the Huawei Ascend II. It’s not much, with a 600MHz processor and a 3.5-inch screen, but at $79.99 it’s hard to argue with the value. That value just got even better: the Ascend II is now compatible with Muve Music. This is available for both new and current customers, so those who already picked up the Ascend can still add the service. Since the Ascend II is an Android handset, it does require the $65 monthly Muve Music plan. You can get an Ascend II or sign up for a plan at Cricket’s website.

Via Phone Scoop.

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Cricket and Verizon swap spectrum

Joe — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:30:30 +0000

While yesterday’s news of Cricket potentially buying spectrum from the AT&T/T-Mobile merger was a bit more exciting, today’s news is still beneficial to Cricket. Verizon and Cricket have agreed to swap some spectrum, pending FCC approval. That will allow both companies to expand their networks. Cricket will get spectrum in Chicago that will allow it to offer LTE services. Verizon will get various blocks from across the country that will aid both its EVDO and its LTE services. It sounds like a win-win for these companies, though Cricket clearly benefits from gaining the ability to launch an LTE network in one of the nation’s largest markets.

Via FierceWireless.

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Cricket could pick up spectrum from AT&T

Joe — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:15 +0000

In terms of expanding potential business, it’s been a good 18 months for Cricket. They have new distribution deals to go along with their MVNO agreement with Sprint. It essentially allows them to activate lines nationwide, despite owning spectrum in limited markets. Now there is a report that they could gain even more coverage — and customers. Andrew Ross Sorkin of The New York Times reports that AT&T is talking to Cricket’s parent, Leap Wireless, about selling “a big piece of T-Mobile’s customer accounts and some of its wireless spectrum.” That could prove a further boon for a fast-growing company.

For those unfamiliar with the situation, in March AT&T announced plans to acquire T-Mobile USA. They knew they’d face scrutiny from regulatory bodies, but AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson still thought the deal would get done. His company was so certain of it, in fact, that they would pay T-Mobile $4 billion if the deal failed. Now AT&T has taken a $4 billion charge against its earnings, a precaution in case the deal does, in fact, blow up. Considering that AT&T withdrew its application for a deal from the FCC, there’s a legitimate chance of that happening.

According to Sorkin, the customer accounts would compose the bulk of the deal. It would be enough for Cricket to leapfrog MetroPCS and become the fourth largest wireless carrier in the country. The only question, then, is of whether Cricket can handle all the new accounts with their existing spectrum, plus the amount of spectrum they acquire in the deal. AT&T is trying to hold onto as much spectrum as possible, since it plans to use T-Mobile’s network to build out LTE services.

It is still unclear whether this play will work. The Justice Department would have to be satisfied enough to drop its lawsuit to block the deal. If not, the two parties will go to trial to determine the next step. This has been a long process that doesn’t have much of an end in sight. AT&T’s great desire to get this done, at seemingly any cost, will keep it going until every possible avenue is exhausted.

Via The New York Times.

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