Gov. Rendell Says Wireless Communications Company Expanding in PA

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Gov. Rendell Says Wireless Communications Company Expanding in PA
    Cricket Communications to Create and Retain 250 Jobs in Southeast PA



    HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G.
Rendell today announced that one of the nation's leading cellular
communications firms will invest approximately $40 million in property
improvements and equipment throughout southeast Pennsylvania in order to
expand its services in the mid-Atlantic region.



    The Governor said Cricket Communications Inc. will create more than 170
jobs within three years, mostly in Montgomery and Chester counties, and
retain 80 positions in the Pittsburgh area.



    "Pennsylvania was in stiff competition with other states for this
economic development project," Governor Rendell said. "Cricket
Communications chose the commonwealth because of its strong, vital economy
and talented workforce. Our targeted investments are creating jobs and
helping to keep our unemployment rate well below the national level. All of
these factors lead to a positive business environment where companies can
compete and flourish in the global marketplace."



    Cricket expects to establish a switch facility, a regional shared
service center, hundreds of cell sites and numerous retail stores in
southeastern Pennsylvania. The company also plans to invest in tenant
improvements, purchase and install machinery and equipment and conduct job
training.



    "Cricket has experienced tremendous growth and success in our
Pittsburgh market, and we are very pleased to be able to expand our
wireless services to southeast Pennsylvania," said Greg Post, Cricket's
eastern region vice president. "Cricket makes wireless communication
obtainable to those whose needs are often not met by traditional wireless
companies and we look forward to offering our wireless solution to local
residents."



    Cricket worked with the Montgomery County Industrial Development
Corporation to secure a $760,000 funding offer from the Department of
Community and Economic Development that includes a $375,000 opportunity
grant, $35,000 in customized job training funds and $350,000 in job
creation tax credits.



    "This is the second telecommunications company to locate here within
the past year," said Carmen Italia, president of the Montgomery County
Industrial Development Corporation. "We are thrilled to welcome Cricket
Communications to southeast Pennsylvania and want to thank them for
providing a variety of services to the region and our residents."



    The company's project was coordinated through the Governor's Action
Team, economic development professionals who serve as a single
point-of-contact for businesses considering locating or expanding in
Pennsylvania.



    Since January 2003, GAT has successfully completed 937 projects,
resulting in commitments to create 99,933 new jobs and retain 226,992
existing positions. The commonwealth has offered more than $1.8 billion in
assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $11.2 billion
in additional investment.



    Cricket is a leading provider of wireless services, offering customers
and local businesses flat-rate, unlimited service over a high-quality,
all-digital network. The company has more than 2,000 employees and is the
operating subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc. To learn more
about Cricket Communications, visit http://www.mycricket.com.



    For information on the Governor's Action Team and DCED programs, visit
http://www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.





    The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out
more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly
newsletter, visit http://www.governor.state.pa.us.



    CONTACT:

    Teresa Candori

    717-783-1116



    Penny Kline (DCED)

    717-783-1132
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
http://www.governor.state.pa.us
http://www.mycricket.com
http://www.NewPA.com
CONTACT:
Teresa Candori of the Pennsylvania Office of
the Governor, +1-717-783-1116; or Penny Kline of the Pennsylvania
Department of Community Economic Development, +1-717-783-1132