Leap & Metro PCS Agree to Roaming and Sharing

By Contributor Wireless and Mobile News on September 29, 2008 11:34 AM

Leap Wireless International, and MetroPCS Communications, Inc. announced today that they have entered into a national roaming agreement and an agreement to exchange wireless spectrum, and have settled all outstanding litigation between them.

The new nationwide roaming agreement, which has an initial term of 10 years, covers the companies' existing and future markets, which the parties expect could ultimately encompass virtually all of the top 200 markets in the nation. This agreement will enable wireless subscribers from each company to utilize their wireless services in both companies' markets at a more attractive and competitive price.

Additionally, the companies entered into a spectrum exchange agreement covering licenses in certain markets, with Leap acquiring an additional 10 MHz of spectrum in San Diego, Fresno, Seattle and certain other Washington and Oregon markets, and MetroPCS acquiring an additional 10 MHz of spectrum in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Shreveport-Bossier City, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Florida and certain other North Texas markets. Completion of the spectrum exchange is subject to customary closing conditions, including the consent of Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The settlement resolves litigation relating to the companies' intellectual property. The companies have entered into a cross-license agreement for intellectual property related to the litigation and for other intellectual property that is held or applied for by either company. All pending litigation between the parties will be dismissed.

Further terms of the agreements and settlement were not disclosed.