Alltel offers prepaid package in Wal-Mart stores

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.-Alltel Corp. launched its Simple Freedom prepaid wireless service in more than 1,500 Wal-Mart stores nationwide.

The plan, which includes voice mail, caller identification, call waiting and text messaging, is priced at $69 for a handset, charger, $10 of airtime and an activation guide. Calls placed on the network are charged at 25 cents per minute, calls off the network are 50 cents per minute, long distance is included and text messages are 8 cents each to send and receive.