Leap acquires location based wireless data technology from NeoPoint

Wireless communications carrier Leap Wireless International Inc. has acquired a personalized, location-based wireless information technology from smart phone developer NeoPoint. Called myAladdin.com, the proprietary technology provides on-the-fly directions to and information about the nearest restaurants, movie theaters, and cash machines straight to the customer's wireless handset. It also allows customers to access information wirelessly about local concerts and events, and news. Based on this technology, Leap expects to offer its first wireless information services to customers, including Cricket customers, in the first half of 2001.

"Our objective in creating myAladdin.com was to develop a simplified way in which mobile users could obtain localized, personalized information,'' said William Son, chairman, CEO and president of NeoPoint. "Given the breadth of alliances we forged with leading content providers and the user-friendly nature of the service, we believe this is an ideal fit for what Leap is doing in the domestic market. This transaction enables us to remain focused on our core competencies in designing and developing award-winning smart phones."

As part of the transaction, Leap is adding approximately 20 employees, largely software developers, to its wireless data development business. Leap is also acquiring certain intellectual property rights, including those associated with patented and patent-pending technologies related to location-based services, personalization and navigation. Leap also expects to retain relationships with the majority of the existing content providers, such as MasterCard International and ticketmaster.com. The purchase price was not disclosed.

"We expect this acquisition to allow Leap to bring location-based services to the marketplace—just the first of several data products we are currently considering," said Doug Hutcheson, Leap's senior vice president of wireless data development. "This first step in wireless data not only will add value to our Cricket customers, but is designed to help us realize our strategy to bring new customers to the family of innovative wireless services provided by Leap.''

Leap owns or has the rights to acquire wireless operating licenses to offer service to 48.3 million potential customers (1998 POPs) in 32 states.

Edited by Ellen Jensen
Managing Editor, Wireless Networks Online