Despite 2011 Launch, No Leap LTE Devices Until 2012
Apr 13, 2011, 10:43 AM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Apr 13, 2011, 12:01 PM
Leap Wireless is on target to launch its Long Term Evolution network late this year, but doesn't plan on bringing any LTE-equipped devices to the market until the second half of 2012. Leap CEO Doug Hutcheson cited cost as the major reason for the delay. "We think devices will really hit critical pricing in the second half of 2012," he told Mobile Business Briefing in an interview. "We think 3G, as blase as that might seem, with the pricing that you'll see on devices, is actually going to be a focus for a few more quarters." Leap will instead use LTE to "enhance its EV-DO data service on its CDMA network" though it didn't explain how. "We certainly have spectrum in most of our markets to launch LTE and to the degree that we can see cost advantages and scale advantages," said Hutcheson. "We'll continue to do what we do best, which is operate some of the lowest-cost, most efficient networks, and we'll continue that with 4G." Leap operates Cricket Wireless.
Google Pixel 8 Series Saves the Best for the Pro
Comments
Maybe There Will Not Be A Leap In 2012
