RadioShack and Leap Wireless launch pay-as-you-go network
updated 09:50 pm EDT, Tue September 4, 2012
Huawei phones initial offerings, more to follow
Partially confirming previous leaks, Electronics retailer RadioShack and Leap Wireless International's Cricket-branded network have teamed up to launch a wireless service able to be purchased at RadioShack, or in-store kiosks at Target. The pay-as-you-go plans will initially sell two Huawei Technologies phones.
With this deal, Leap Wireless gains a foothold in RadioShack's 4,400 US-based stores, giving it a larger retail presence. Both RadioShack and Leap Wireless are struggling in the marketplace, with Leap saying last month they were evaluating all options for recovery including expense cuts, asset sales, and layoffs. RadioShack's stock has plummeted 75 percent in a year, with a serious quarterly loss posted.
Huawei's phone offerings at the joint effort are the Mercury Ice for $150 and the Pillar for $40. Two additional phones are expected to be announced by the end of the month.
