Alltel Offers Enhanced Instant Messaging to Wireless Customers

(Business News & Technology News, 25 May 2006)

Alltel wireless customers now can enjoy graphics-rich instant messaging using Yahoo! Messenger and AOL's AIM services in a mobile format that mirrors the PC experience.
"This is an exciting enhancement that gives Alltel's Axcess Instant Messaging service the look and feel of the PC experience," said Wade McGill, senior vice president of wireless product management for Alltel. "Wireless customers now can enjoy the full benefits of instant messaging, including the ability to see whether their friends are online, with the added advantage of mobility across America's largest wireless network."

Alltel wireless customers can sign up by visiting the Yahoo! or AIM.com and getting an instant messaging ID and password. Instant messaging is available for download on about a dozen Alltel handsets. The application itself is free, but airtime charges will apply during the two- to three-minute download. Axcess Instant Messaging usage appears on customers' bills as text messages. Customers can get unlimited text, picture and video messaging, plus Axcess Web, for $19.99 per month with an All Axcess Pass.
Alltel is a customer-focused communications company with more than 15 million customers in 36 states and nearly $10 billion in annual revenues.

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