[Cricket is offering the Kyocera Lingo clamshell handset featuring a full QWERTY keypad for easy text-messaging plus Bluetooth, 1.3 MP camera, voice recognitiion and speakerphone.]

Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, and Cricket Communications, Inc., the operating subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ:LEAP - News), and a leading provider of unlimited wireless services, today announced the introduction of the Kyocera Lingo, a versatile clamshell handset with a full QWERTY keypad available for the first time in the U.S.

The Lingo features a high-end ergonomic design, opening lengthwise to reveal the keypad ideal for text-messaging fanatics. It also offers a host of other features, including Bluetooth wireless technology, a 1.3 megapixel camera, voice recognition, dual color displays and a loud, clear speakerphone. Productivity tools include a scheduler, calculator, alarm clock, stopwatch, tip calculator, countdown timer, and voice memos.

"The Kyocera Lingo's QWERTY keypad will be especially attractive to our customers," said T. Scott Edwards, senior vice president of marketing for Cricket. "Research has shown that 32 percent of Cricket customers send at least one text message per day, compared with 12 percent of non-Cricket customers. Since every Cricket rate plan includes unlimited text and picture messaging, which are essential to our customers, the Lingo is an important addition to our handset lineup."

When it comes to data the Lingo is more than capable. It supports Cricket's Mobile Web, which allows customers to browse news, entertainment and sports; chat; and personalize their handsets with the latest ringtones and graphics. The Lingo will also allow customers to download games with Cricket Games & Apps.

"The Kyocera Lingo is an attractive solution for Cricket customers who love to send text or instant messages and want to get a unique QWERTY-enabled phone without breaking the bank," said Tom Maguire, vice president of global marketing at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "With its hidden QWERTY keypad, the Lingo strikes a perfect balance between style, functionality and affordability. We are excited to make Lingo's simplified texting capabilities available to Cricket customers all across the country."

The Lingo measures 3.94 in x 1.97 in x 0.79 and weighs 3.5 ounces--with CDMA talk time up to 3.25 hours and standby time up to 150 hours.

The Kyocera Lingo is available at select Cricket retail stores and dealers immediately for $199.99. A complete line of Genuine Accessories by Kyocera(TM) is also available for the Lingo. For more information, visit a local Cricket retail location, or online visit www.mycricket.com or www.kyocera-wireless.com.

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