Alltel extends wireless broadband access for laptops with data cards to major metro areas

Expanded data service provides speeds comparable to cable or DSL

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Alltel Wireless customers now can access the Internet and corporate networks through their data-card equipped laptops in the nation’s major metropolitan areas, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, at broadband speeds.

“Alltel customers now enjoy the unprecedented freedom and power of a truly nationwide wireless broadband network,” said Elisabeth Owen, president of business solutions for Alltel Wireless. “Alltel customers with data-card equipped laptops can stay connected to corporate network and enterprise applications while doing business in the cities that drive the U.S. economy.”

Alltel’s roaming agreements give its customers access to wireless broadband service in the nation’s largest population centers, including Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami, St. Louis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Dallas, Houston and San Francisco.

In 2006, Alltel expanded its own next-generation EVDO (evolution data optimized) network in more than half its markets. The company will continue to aggressively build out its EVDO network in 2007.

Alltel customers have unlimited wireless access to the Internet at speeds comparable to wired broadband connections such as cable modem or DSL. EVDO technology makes it easy for customers to surf the Web, access e-mail and calendars and download large, graphic-rich files while on the go. Using the service, customers can access advanced applications at average speeds of 400 to 700 Kbps with maximum speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps.

To use the wireless data service on their laptops, customers will need a data card, which is available from Alltel with a two-year service agreement. Alltel’s national unlimited data plan is available for $59.99.

Where EVDO service is not available, data-card equipped laptops will hand off to 1X service, which delivers speeds up to 144 Kbps.