Alltel’s just issued a press release reminding everyone that their Android line-up isn’t too shabby. Highlights include the HTC Merge and the Motorola Milestone, but there are some other gems alongside those which include the Samsung Gem (yes, I tried to do that – shame on me) and the LG Axis. You should already know what the deal is with those first two – the Merge is their version of the Desire Z/EVO Shift 4G, while the Milestone X is their DROID x.

As for the other two, the Samsung Gem was originally supposed to go to Verizon but it seems they wanted their subsidiary to get a taste of it first. It’s nothing special – Android 2.1 with Touchwiz and has a 3.2 inch display – but we’re sure someone out there will find it to be a great phone. And the LG Axis is a slightly-tuned version of the LG Ally, a phone that was released on their parent company. Read on for full press details. [Note: these phones are already available for purchase and some have been for quite some time.]

Alltel Wireless Adds Popular Android Smartphones To Handset Lineup

Customers can choose from sleek, stylish multimedia devices

BEVERLY, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Alltel Wireless, a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Tele-Network, has added four new handsets – the LG Axis™, Samsung Gem™, HTC Merge™, and Motorola Milestone X™ – to its robust smartphone lineup. All four phones, equipped with Google’s Android technology, are now available at Alltel retail stores and online at alltelwireless.com.

Whether looking for a slim, compact phone or into videos and messaging or quick access to applications on the go, such as e-mail and the Internet, Alltel customers can choose from a lineup of phones that offer unique user experiences.

Versatile and Sophisticated Smartphone

The LG Axis offers Alltel customers customizable applications and an entertainment experience that will keep them effortlessly connected to the things that matter the most. Equipped with Google™ Android 2.1 and access to the Android Market™, LG Axis provides users with more than 80,000 applications for music, games and other entertainment categories. The LG Axis also allows users the ability to customize up to five different home screens by adding or removing shortcuts to their favorite applications and widgets, creating a unique phone that is tailored to meet their personal needs.

LCD Touch Display Brings it all to Life

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. With the advanced touch screen display, text, picture and video message is made easy with the Swype virtual keyboard, an innovative system that allows users to simply slide their finger from key to key, only raising it in between words. Users will also be able to drag and drop various widgets and icons to personalize their own unique screen.

Multitasking Made Quick and Easy

The HTC Merge comes equipped with the Android 2.2 operating system and the HTC Sense™ user-friendly interface, allowing customers to effortlessly multitask and unite spreadsheets from work with your videos from home. With the HTC Merge, users can quickly and easily link to social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and update their status while checking e-mails. This customizable smartphone allows users to organize e-mail, Facebook and SMS based upon their individual preferences and not by technology.

A Theater in the Palm of Your Hand

The Motorola Milestone X is great for downloading movies or recording video in vivid HD quality, and then watching the clips on the 4.3-inch high-res touch screen. The Milestone connects directly to a compatible HDTV with an optional HDMI® cable so users can experience captured photos and video in HD crystal clarity. The 8MP camera provides clear pictures and features touch-to-focus, dual LED flash, panoramic mode, face detection and more. The memory on this sleek, stylish and ultra thin phone can expand to 40GB (8GB on-board and up to 32GB optional removable) to store even more photos and media.

Alltel Wireless continues to be an industry leader, providing customers most recently with “The 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.alltelwireless.com or www.awcc.com.

About Atlantic Tele-Network

Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc., headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, provides telecommunications services to rural, niche and other under-served markets and geographies in the United States, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Through our operating subsidiaries, we provide both wireless and wireline connectivity to residential and business customers, including a range of mobile wireless solutions, local exchange services and broadband internet services and are the owner and operator of terrestrial and submarine fiber optic transport systems. For more information, please visit www.atni.com.

[via AC]