Alltel Wireless and Kyocera Wireless announce the Kyocera Strobe is available at Alltel stores nationwide. The Strobe features a curved, stylish candybar design that opens lengthwise to reveal a second color display and a full QWERTY keypad inside.

"QWERTY keypads make for super-fast instant messaging, e-mail and texting," said Wade McGill, senior vice president for wireless product management at Alltel. "The Strobe from Alltel, which comes loaded with Axcess Instant Messaging right out of the box, proves once and for all that QWERTY keypads aren't just for business users anymore. Younger customers are going to love this phone."

The phone's hourglass figure and loop antenna combine to give it a unique appearance. Opening the clamshell reveals the keypad and a larger color screen ideal for viewing games and pictures. Users can alternate between the open and closed modes as many times as they like during a session without disrupting the phone's basic functionality.

The Kyocera Strobe features a VGA camera, built-in speakerphone and voice-activated dialing. It also has hands-free Bluetooth(R) wireless technology, BREW 2.3.1, and Axcess Web capability.

The Strobe is available from Alltel for $49.99 after a $40 mail-in rebate. This discounted price is available to new customers on two-year service agreements as well as to existing eligible customers on qualifying rate plans. A complete line of Genuine Accessories by Kyocera(TM) is also available for Strobe, including a Sport Strap that's perfect for tethering the phone to a backpack or belt loop.

Axcess Instant Messaging from Alltel Wireless lets users chat while they're on the go with AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger. Alltel customers can use an existing IM account or sign up for a new one. Standard text messaging rates apply.