Leap Wireless expands service with Sprint deal

Leap Wireless International Inc., a pay-as-you-go mobile phone provider, said it would expand its Cricket service across the U.S. in a $300-million deal with Sprint Nextel Corp.

Leap, based in San Diego, will expand over Sprint’s network during the next five years, the company said Tuesday in a regulatory filing.

Sprint will receive at least $25 million next year, $75 million in each of the following three years and $50 million in 2015, according to the filing. The carrier will get an undisclosed amount for each new Leap customer.

The agreement is for Sprint’s third-generation, or 3G, network. The carrier, based in Overland Park, Kan., is rolling out its 4G network, which it has advertised as offering higher download speeds.