Alltel has a new device for young but heavy texters. It’s the Samsung DoubleTake which prides itself with a sliding QWERTY keyboard, 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and so on. In a word, nothing special, yet enough for $39.99. That’s of course the price with at least 1-year service contract on a qualifying rate plan and after a $50 mail-in rebate. As for the color options, there are two versions – bold red and sleek charcoal gray, which seem designed for girls and boys, respectively… I guess. Alltel’s website has additional details for those who care.

Alltel has launched a new low-end handset – LG AX310. The simple to use clamshell won’t impress many with its feature set, hence the carrier is asking only $29.99 for it, after a $30 mail-in rebate with activation of a 1-year service contract on a qualifying rate plan.

Specs wise, there’s a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity support, voice-activated calling, one-touch speakerphone, and voice notes. The phone is available in two colors – black and red…

Alltel has just announced availability of the Freeform (SCH-r351) from Samsung, a cheap little handset for avid texters. A2DP stereo Bluetooth support and microSD memory card slot supporting up to 16 GB would make you think this could pass as a decent music phone, but from what I can see, there’s no 3.5 mm headphone jack, just a USB connector on the right side. Too bad, but at least it’s got GPS and access to the Alltel Navigation service. There’s no word on pricing just yet, but you should be able to see it soon in the Alltel online store.

[via Samsung]

Alltel has added the HTC Snap to its portfolio. The Windows Mobile smartphone, which was announced back in April of this year, comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, WiFi, 3G (EV-DO Rev. A in Sprint (NYSE: S)’s case), GPS, 2-megapixel camera, great battery (318 minutes of continuous talk time), and a microSD memory card slot. All said, the Snap is probably one of the best (if not the best) non-touch WinMo devices on the market.

As for the pricing, Alltel is asking $79.99 for the phone, and that’s after a $70 mail-in rebate and with a qualifying one-year service contract…

In the world of wireless cellular service, having good call quality makes a big difference. Nobody wants to deal with dropped calls, echoes and static when they’re talking on the phone. Unfortunately, crappy cellphone calls are just part of the game. But, according to J.D. Power and Associates, US carriers are getting better at serving up quality cellular service. A new report from the market research firm shows that wireless service in general has been getting better, especially when it comes to fewer dropped calls, failed connections and static.

When it comes to the highest quality cellphone service in the US, Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless leads the pack, earning the No. 1 spot in four of the six US regions. The western region saw Verizon Wireless tied with T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) and Alltel. All three carriers were tied with a score of 10 – representing 10 call-quality complaints per 100 complaint calls. Like golf, a lower score is better. Unfortunately for AT&T (NYSE: T) and Sprint (NYSE: S) Nextel, JD Power gave them both a score of 13.

JD Power’s semi-annual regional call-quality ratings are based on scores in seven key call quality issues: dropped calls, static and interference, failures to connect, echoes, voicemail delays, text message delays and distortion. The report shows that, “as carriers continue to upgrade existing network infrastructure and create more robust coverage footprints, wireless customers are recognizing an improvement in performance.” But, “as customers continue to increasingly stress wireless networks with growing call volume and data usage for texting, emailing and surfing the mobile web, it is critical for carriers to keep enhancing network performance by maintaining and upgrading to next-generation technologies [emphasis added].”

You reading this, AT&T?

[Via: MobileBurn]

Low-end Samsung Glint is now available for all Alltel Wireless subscribers looking for a simple and easy to use phone for texting and making phone calls. The entry-level clamshell comes with a VGA camera, two screens (internal is 128×160 pixels), Bluetooth connectivity (stereo), MMS support, and the ability to sing along two carrier’s services – Alltel Mobile Web and Alltel Shop from where users can grab some mobile content. As for the size, the Glint measures 3.78×1.87x.76 inches.

Again, as I already mentioned above, it’s a super-simple phone which lacks features, but is good enough for basic mobile operations…

Looks like the rumors were dead on. Alltel now carries the BlackBerry Tour 9630. Sure, we know that Verizon bought Alltel way back in January, but Alltel is still operating in over 90 markets (I actually popped by an Alltel store in North Dakota not so long ago!). So, if you happen to have an Alltel location in your area, you can now get your hands on the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Tour 9630. It’s available for $199 after a $100 mail-in rebate. You’ll need to sign up for a 1-year subscription to an Alltel ‘Smart Choice’ plan for $69.99/mth or more. Full press release after the jump.

Hmmmm, $69.99 a month… is that the right choice for you?

Read the full article »

Ok lets see… Yeah we’ve got Bell and Telus, yeah… oh, and Sprint and Verizon has been all up in the news in the last little bit.. Who are we missing… What? Alltel is on the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Tour scene as well!? Yep!

Looks like good ‘ol Kevin over at CrackBerry has scored a few ’spy shots’ from a source that wishes to remain anonymous. Notice the Alltel branding on the 9630, in all its glory. No details on pricing or launch date, but I think we can safely say the device will be coming real soon… and should hit us somewhere around the $199.99 price point.

[Via: CrackBerry]

Alltel has yet another cheap texter to add to its handset armoury: the LG Tritan. This side-slider will run you about $79.99 on contract after rebates, and sports the usual fare (3 megapixel camera, 3″ touchscreen, GPS, EVDO-flavoured 3G, and a tragic 2.5mm headphone jack). The Tritan should provide a slightly sexier alternative to the Banter which came out in March, and remember, Alltel recently knocked their standard contract length down to a year, which is always a solid selling point.

[via BusinessWire]

As of June 5th., Alltel will be offering their usual rates for 2-year contracts on 1-year contracts instead. That’s a significant improvement in bang for buck across the board, and provides a lot of flexibility to end consumers. For those of us in Canada who still have to suck down a three year ball-and-chain for any kind of reasonable price, it’s pretty frustrating, but good on Alltel for raising the bar. If your contract’s up and you’re in the market for something new, flexible, and cheap, recent releases on Alltel include the Pearl Flip, the QA4 Evoke and the LG Banter.

[via Reuters]