Alltel Wireless has kicked off sales of the Samsung Gem, a budget Android 2.1 touchscreen smartphone. The Gem has a 3.2-megapixel camera and comes preloaded with Swype, while hardware includes the usual Bluetooth and WiFi.

While the Gem might not be the most exciting smartphone in Samsung’s Android line-up, it’s definitely one of the cheaper models. Alltel is selling it for free after a $50 mail-in rebate and with a new, two-year agreement.

Press Release:

Alltel Wireless launches latest generation Android smartphone – The Samsung Gem™
More applications and additional features from Android touch screen phone free at Alltel

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Alltel Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the number one mobile phone provider in the U.S. 1 today announced the availability of a new smartphone, the Samsung Gem™. In addition to all the features you look for on an Android device and the large LCD touch display that brings it all to life, the Samsung Gem also offers new features and additional applications designed to give Alltel customers a premium Android experience.
The Samsung Gem comes equipped with Android 2.1 and provides built-in Google mobile services including Google Search™ and Google Maps™ with turn-by-turn GPS navigation. The Google™ user interface applications also allow customers to integrate their Outlook, Facebook and Gmail contacts, putting everything right where they need it on the large touch screen.
“Alltel Wireless is proud to add this advanced and versatile smartphone to our Android lineup,” said Scott Moody, Alltel Wireless Vice President of Products and Services. “The Samsung Gem offers our customers a premium smartphone experience at a great price. The Samsung Gem is now free after a $50 mail in rebate at Alltel Wireless.”
For people who like to keep in touch with their friends, the Samsung Gem also features one-touch direct-to-social site photo posting, allowing users to conveniently post photos, messages or e-mails to their favorite social network sites with a simple touch. The 3.2 megapixel camera gives customers the ability to catch every moment through phone or video.
In addition to the advanced touchscreen display, Samsung Gem users will text, picture and video message with the Swype virtual keyboard, an innovative system that allows you to simply slide your finger from key to key, only raising it in between words. Consumers will also be able to drag and drop various widgets and icons to personalize their own unique screen.
Additional Samsung Gem key features include:
- The smartphone is also Wi-Fi enabled, giving customers two ways to connect to the Internet – through Alltel’s fast 3G wireless network or through any available Wi-Fi hotspot.

- Bluetooth® wireless technology for a hands-free experience or to easily transfer data to a computer.

The Samsung Gem is available at Alltel Wireless for free after a $50 mail in rebate and a two year service agreement.
Alltel Wireless continues to be an industry leader, providing customers most recently with “Best Value Unlimited Plans” which offer the most affordable and flexible options for those who love to talk and remain connected. Alltel Wireless also provides customers its exclusive “My Circle” feature – unlimited calling to and from any 5, 15 or 25 numbers on any network and unlimited text to their circle on select plans – as well as the innovative “Free Fridays” feature, where all calls on Friday are free on select plans.

About Alltel Wireless
Allied Wireless Communications Corporation (AWCC), doing business as Alltel Wireless, is a wireless telecommunications provider serving customers in six states. Headquartered in Little Rock, AR., AWCC is a subsidiary of Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI). For more information, visit www.alltel.com or www.awcc.com.