Alltel Offers Wireless Broadband to Mankato and Nearby Communities

[Ironwalt]

Press Release Source: Alltel Wireless


Alltel Offers Wireless Broadband to Mankato and Nearby Communities
Wednesday November 21, 11:00 am ET
Alltel's Wireless Internet to provide high-speed data services; EVDO technology delivers speeds comparable to cable or DSL


MANKATO, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing to expand its wireless data network for mobile professionals and consumers, Alltel Wireless has launched broadband Wireless Internet service in Mankato and surrounding communities in Minnesota and Iowa. Wireless Internet uses next generation EVDO (evolution data optimized) technology that provides customers with unlimited wireless access to the Internet at speeds comparable to wired broadband connections such as cable modem or DSL.

With Wireless Internet, it is easy 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 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 Wireless is committed to meeting the growing data needs of our customers in Mankato and surrounding areas,” said Jay Ortman, vice president of business solutions for Alltel Wireless in Minnesota and Iowa. “Wireless Internet service delivers an unmatched wireless broadband experience that will keep both traveling business professionals and casual users connected with the fastest and most reliable data services.”

“Alltel’s commercial deployment of broadband Wireless Internet is a significant benefit of the merger of Alltel and Midwest Wireless,” said Jonathan Zierdt, president and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. “The availability of Wireless Internet for new and existing businesses supports our economic development efforts for the greater Mankato region. Having this type of technology available in a community of our size is a unique distinction and very beneficial.”

In addition to Mankato, Alltel’s Wireless Internet service now is available in Owatonna, Hutchinson, Worthington and Albert Lea in Minnesota, and in Mason City, Spirit Lake and Spencer in Iowa. Existing service in Rochester, Minn., has been expanded, as well.

Nationally, Alltel has one of the largest EVDO footprints of any U.S. carrier, covering cities such as Cleveland and Grand Rapids as well as smaller communities such as Appleton, Wis. 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 MOTOROKR™ Z6m, 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, please visit an Alltel Wireless retail store or log on to Alltel.com - Official site.

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





Contact:
Alltel Wireless
Andrew Moreau, 501-905-7962
Vice President – Corporate Communications
andrew.moreau@alltel.com
or
Scott Morris, 501-905-4094
Manager – Corporate Communications
scott.l.morris@alltel.com

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Source: Alltel Wireless

[Buickman]

Seeing as how my Sprint data card will work on Alltel's EVDO I'm glad to see them turning some on in rural MN.