Alltel launches ringback tones

Alltel Corp. wireless customers who just can’t get enough of personalizing their wireless phones now have a new option: ringback tones.
The carrier introduced a ringback tone service, and will charge $1 per month for the offering. The fee includes one complimentary ringback tone; additional tones must be purchased. The service is offered through Motricity Inc.’s Fuel technology platform. The ringbacks are integrated with Alltel’s current content offerings from Motricity in the same storefront.
Motricity also is partnering with Alltel to provide content for the carrier’s new user interface, CellTop, which debuted last week.
Ringback tones play sounds or music clips while callers are waiting for a call to be answered.
All of the national carriers offer some type of ringback at various prices. Cingular Wireless L.L.C. charges a $1 monthly subscription fee and $2 for the tones, while Sprint Nextel Corp. ringbacks cost between $1.50 and $2.50 for a 90-day license. Verizon Wireless requires a $1 subscription fee plus a $2 annual fee per ringback, and T-Mobile USA Inc. charges $1.50 per month for the service, plus $2 apiece for the tones.