Company Website:
http://www.att.com
DALLAS -- (Business Wire)
AT&T*
today closed its acquisition of prepaid wireless provider Leap Wireless
International Inc., which operates under the Cricket brand. AT&T
announced in July 2013 that it would acquire all of Leap’s stock and
wireless properties, including licenses, network assets, retail stores
and subscribers for $15 per share in cash. Leap shareholders will also
receive a contingent right entitling them to the net proceeds received
on the sale of Leap’s 700 MHz “A Block” spectrum in Chicago, which Leap
purchased for $204 million in August 2012.
In the coming weeks, Cricket will be integrated with AT&T’s existing
operations to create the new Cricket.** The new Cricket will shake up
the no-contract segment with a combination of simple, low-cost rate
plans; a terrific lineup of smartphones; and a great network experience.
The new Cricket will have access to AT&T’s nationwide 4G
LTE network covering nearly 280 million people. AT&T will gain
access to Cricket’s distribution channels and will be able to expand
Cricket’s presence to additional U.S. cities.
Cricket’s network currently covers approximately 97 million people in 35
U.S. states, and Cricket had 4.57 million customers as of February 28,
2014. Customer migrations are expected to be completed approximately 18
months after the launch of the new Cricket.
In addition to Cricket’s operations, AT&T also acquired spectrum in the
PCS and AWS bands covering nearly 138 million people. This spectrum is
largely complementary to AT&T’s existing spectrum holdings and includes
unutilized spectrum covering 41 million people. AT&T will immediately
begin to put the unutilized spectrum to use to support 4G LTE services
for its customers. This additional spectrum will provide additional
capacity and enhance network performance for customers using smartphones
and other mobile Internet devices.
The deal was subject to approval by Leap’s shareholders and to review by
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of
Justice. The FCC approved the transaction within its 180-day review
clock. AT&T will update its full-year 2014 guidance to reflect the
impact of this transaction when it announces first-quarter 2014 results
on April 22, 2014.
As of close, Leap had about 79.8 million shares outstanding. Leap will
be delisted from the NASDAQ. Former Leap stockholders should visit the Leap
Wireless investor relations website for more information.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries
and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
**The new Cricket will be an independently operated, wholly owned
subsidiary of AT&T.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one
of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and
affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T
services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array
of network resources that includes the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE
network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed
Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet,
AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S.
carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most
countries. It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse®
brand. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services
is one of the most advanced in the world.
Reliability claim based on data transfer completion rates on nationwide
4G LTE networks. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G LTE not available
everywhere.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services
provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/aboutus
or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT,
on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att
and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.
© 2014 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T,
the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of
AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other
marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates
and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and
uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of
factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any
obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release
based on new information or otherwise.
Contacts:
For AT&T
Roberta Thomson, 214-205-4102
rthomson@brunswickgroup.com
Source: AT&T
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