PR Newswire: Cricket Comes of Age: Introduces Industry's First-Ever Senior Calling Plan

Pittsburgh is the First to Get the Message

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- They say with age comes wisdom, and Cricket Communications couldn't agree more. That's why this Friday, October 28 the company will launch the industry's first-ever calling plan specifically tailored to meet the needs of seniors.

The launch will take place at The Mall at Robinson from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. In addition to free food, flu and pneumonia shots sponsored by the Visiting Nurse Foundation, the Frank Sinatra Tribute Band "Let's Be Frank", Vegas-style slot machines and blackjack tables, a chance to win an all-inclusive motorcoach trip to the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City, expert bridge player and teacher Arlene Port and a special appearance by John Cigna, the party will also offer information on Cricket's new senior calling plan.

"We're the only communications company offering a senior plan," said Sam Sarnicke, Cricket's Pittsburgh area general manager. "And we think seniors will see the wisdom - not to mention the savings - involved in taking advantage of this new concept. And with our healthy 60-plus population, Pittsburgh is the perfect market to get things started."

This is how it works. Seniors have the option of choosing one of Cricket's four current rate plans, which range from $45 - $30 per month. From there, they'll receive a $15 discount each and every month. In other words, local seniors could end up paying as little as $15 a month (plus taxes and fees) for cell phone service -- and enjoy the convenience of number portability, no early termination fees and never any signed contracts. To make the deal even more senior friendly, a hearing-aid compatible handset is available for just $70.

"We also think it's important to provide training," Sarnicke says. "That's why Cricket representatives will be available to offer hands-on instruction for qualifying customers who happen to be first-time cell phone users," Sarnicke says.

To qualify, individuals must be new Cricket customers, 60 years of age or older, have a valid driver's license or state-issued identification card, have one line per customer and sign up for credit card billing or automatic bill pay.

"The message of the Cricket Senior Calling Plan is security and convenience," Sarnicke says. "It doesn't get much easier than this."

About Cricket(R)

Cricket is a simple and affordable mobile phone service offering customers and local businesses flat-rate, unlimited service over a high-quality, all- digital wireless network. Designed for customers under-served by traditional communications companies, Cricket is the pioneer of unlimited anytime minutes with no long-term contract or credit check required. Plus, Cricket offers customers access to a variety of feature-rich mobile applications such as unlimited text messaging and picture messaging. For more information, please visit http://www.mycricket.com/. Cricket is a business of Leap Wireless International, Inc. , headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information on Leap, visit http://www.leapwireless.com/.

CONTACT: Saul Markowitz of Markowitz Communications, +1-412-577-5140, cell +1-412-977-8517, or email saul@markowitzcommunications.com

Web site: http://www.mycricket.com/ http://www.leapwireless.com/