News

Leap Introduces Kyocera 2235 1X Handset on Upgraded Next-Generation Networks in Phoenix and Denver

SAN DIEGO - Dec. 10, 2001 - Leap Wireless International, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWIN), an innovator of wireless communications services, today introduced the Kyocera 2235 1X handset on its newly upgraded next-generation wireless networks in the company's two largest Cricket markets - Phoenix and Denver. Leap has selectively upgraded its networks in these higher-density markets to increase voice capacity for handling the growing demand for Cricket, the company's unlimited local wireless service.

"We are excited to offer our Cricket customers the feature-rich Kyocera 2235 mobile handsets on our 1X-ready networks in Phoenix and Denver," said Harvey P. White, Leap's chairman and CEO. "Introducing these 1X handsets in our two largest Cricket markets supports our strategy to easily evolve to next-generation networks so we cost-effectively and efficiently increase voice capacity. Because our customers talk on Cricket approximately 1,100 minutes a month - nearly four times the wireless industry average - it is important that we boost capacity in a way that minimizes capital investment. We believe that CDMA2000 1X is the best way to achieve this. Because 1X is backward-compatible, both our current and new customers can co-exist using the same radio technology."

"Leap's 1X launch demonstrates the richness of the CDMA2000 1X platform, which allows carriers like Leap to support unlimited local wireless service, and other carriers to deploy high-speed data services," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDMA Development Group (CDG). "The CDG applauds Leap, Kyocera and the Group's other members on making significant inroads in the 3G arena."

Leap expects the compact, lightweight handset - which features a luminescent blue display, voice-activated dialing and productivity tools such as a calculator, alarm clock and stop watch - to appeal to local business people and other early adopters. The Kyocera phone will retail for $129.99, including the first month of Cricket service.

"Kyocera is pleased to provide Leap with our new 2235 mobile handsets for use in its 1X-ready Cricket markets," said Skip Speaks, president and COO of Kyocera Wireless Corp. "We believe that our feature-rich handset will appeal to Cricket users who enjoy advanced functionality in a compact design."

Based on the CDMA2000 1X wireless standard, the ergonomically designed Kyocera 2235 measures 4.72" x 1.89" x 0.95" and weighs approximately 4.34 ounces. The handset offers up to 3.8 hours of talk time and up to five days of standby time in digital mode. The phone features a brilliant blue backlit keypad for easy readability, an easy-to-use navigation button, and predictive text input, as well as voice-memo and command capabilities. The Kyocera 2235 also includes four games, 25 different ring tones and vibrate alert, animated screen savers, and a robust contact directory that stores both personal and business information.

"CDMA is the most efficient digital technology available today, and the only technology that can support our Cricket unlimited local wireless service," said Glenn Umetsu, Leap's senior vice president of launch and deployment. "While other carriers may look at CDMA 1X to support high-speed data services, we are selectively deploying it in our markets to reduce overall network costs and boost voice capacity."

Leap, which will evaluate the need for further 3G network upgrades across its markets, expects the majority of its 1X upgrades to take place starting in the first half of 2002.

About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA handsets and accessories for customers worldwide. Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. For more information, please visit the Kyocera Wireless Corp. Web site at http://www.kyocera-wireless.com

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE: KYO - news) the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of solar energy systems, telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers and copiers. During the year ended March 31, 2001, the companies' net sales totaled 1.285 trillion yen (US$10.2 billion) with net income of 219.5 billion yen (US$1.742 billion). Kyocera Corporation has been recognized by IndustryWeek magazine as one of "The World's 100 Best-Managed Companies."

About Leap
Leap, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., is a customer-focused company providing innovative communications services for the mass market. Leap pioneered the Cricket Comfortable Wireless service that lets customers make all their local calls from within their local calling area and receive calls from anywhere for one low, flat rate. Leap has begun offering new services designed to further transform wireless communications for consumers. For more information, please visit www.leapwireless.com.


Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains "forward-looking statements" reflecting management's current forecast of certain aspects of Leap's future. Some forward-looking statements can be identified by forward-looking words such as "believe," "may," "could," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "seek," "plan," "expect," "should," "would" and similar expressions. This news release is based on current information, which we have assessed but which by its nature is dynamic and subject to rapid and even abrupt changes. Our actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to: changes in the economic conditions of the various markets our subsidiaries serve which could adversely affect the market for wireless services; our ability to access capital markets; a failure to meet the operational, financial or other covenants contained in our credit facilities; our ability to rollout networks in accordance with our plans, including receiving equipment and backhaul and interconnection facilities on schedule from third parties; failure of network systems to perform according to expectations; the effect of competition; the acceptance of our product offering by our target customers; our ability to retain customers; our ability to maintain our cost, market penetration and pricing structure in the face of competition; technological challenges in developing wireless information services and customer acceptance of such services if developed; our ability to integrate the businesses and technologies we acquire; rulings by courts or the FCC adversely affecting our rights to own and/or operate certain wireless licenses; the impacts on the global and domestic economies and the financial markets of recent terrorist activities, the ensuing declaration of war on terrorism and the continued threat of terrorist activity and other acts of war or hostility; and other factors detailed in the section entitled ``Risk Factors'' included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2001 and in our other SEC filings. The forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of these risk factors. Investors and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Leap and the Leap logo design are trademarks of Leap Wireless International, Inc. Cricket is a registered trademark and Comfortable Wireless is a service mark of Cricket Communications, Inc.

Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation.



KYOCERA CONTACTS:
Dana Knight, Kyocera Wireless Corp.
1-(858) 882-2338 (ph)
dknight@kyocera-wireless.com

John Chier, Fleishman-Hillard for Kyocera Wireless
1-(619) 235-9995 (ph)
chierj@fleishman.com


LEAP CONTACTS:
Sarah Thailing, Media Relations
1-(858) 882-6018
sthailing@leapwireless.com

Jim Seines, Investor Relations
1-(858) 882-6084
jseines@leapwireless.com

Bock Communications, Inc.
Jessica Levy, Media Relations
1-(714) 540-1030
jlevy@bockpr.com