Alltel customers in Tampa, Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, now can download large, graphic rich files and streaming audio from the Internet to their laptops through the company's new wireless broadband network.

Alltel's Axcess Broadband service lets users access the Internet with bursts up to 2.4 Mbps and average speeds of 300 to 500 Kbps. The three Alltel markets are the first to receive the new wireless Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) technology.

"Axcess Broadband offers wireless customers unlimited access to the Internet at speeds comparable to wired broadband connections, but with the added convenience of mobility," said Frank O'Mara, executive vice president of marketing.

Axcess Broadband is available for $69.99 a month for unlimited service. Customers also will need to purchase the new Kyocera Passport wireless data card to access the broadband network. The cards are available from Alltel for $159.99 with a two-year contract and $219.99 with a one-year contract.

Alltel is a customer-focused communications company with more than 13 million customers and $8 billion in annual revenues. Alltel provides wireless, local telephone, long-distance, Internet and broadband services to residential and business customers in 26 states.