Alltel Expands EVDO Wireless Broadband Coverage Around Albany

ALBANY, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alltel Wireless (NYSE: AT) announced today that it has expanded its broadband Wireless Internet service in the Albany area. Wireless Internet uses next generation EVDO (evolution data optimized) technology to provide customers with unlimited wireless access to the Internet at speeds comparable to wired broadband connections such as cable modems or DSL.

“Wireless Internet service delivers a convenient wireless broadband experience that will keep both traveling professionals and casual users connected with the fastest and most reliable data applications.”

The expansion adds EVDO coverage in and around McRae and Abbeville and in and around Blakely, connecting both areas to the existing coverage centered on Albany.

“This expansion of our wireless broadband network in the Albany area underscores Alltel’s commitment to meeting the growing data needs of our customers,” said Dennis Sheaffer, vice president of business solutions for Alltel Wireless in Georgia. “Wireless Internet service delivers a convenient wireless broadband experience that will keep both traveling professionals and casual users connected with the fastest and most reliable data applications.”

Wireless Internet makes it easy for mobile professionals and consumers to surf the Internet, access e-mail and calendars, and download large, graphic-rich files while on the go. Using the service, customers can access advanced business, news and entertainment applications from their laptops, smartphones or handsets at average speeds of 400 to 700 Kbps with maximum speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps.

Alltel introduced its broadband Wireless Internet service to the Albany area in 2006.

Nationally, Alltel has one of the largest EVDO footprints of any U.S. carrier, covering cities such as Charlotte and Tampa as well as smaller communities such as Dothan. And, in addition to the extensive coverage provided by its own network, Alltel’s roaming agreements give its customers with data-card equipped laptops Wireless Internet access in all of the nation’s major metropolitan areas, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Wireless Internet is available for $59.99 a month for unlimited use and does not require a voice plan in order to qualify. In addition to supporting a wide range of productivity enhancing business applications, it enables Alltel’s Axcess TV, with more than 25 channels, and XM radio, with 20 of the best satellite radio music channels. To experience the broadband network, customers will need an EVDO-capable handset, such as the MOTORAZR2 V9m, or a laptop PC data card available online and at Alltel retail stores in USB, PCMCIA Type II, and Express Card form factors.

For more information on Wireless Internet, visit an Alltel Wireless retail store or log on to www.alltel.com.

Alltel is owner and operator of the nation’s largest wireless network and has 12 million wireless customers.

Alltel, NYSE: AT