Service provider Alltel announced today the launch of high-speed EV-DO wireless services in its Tampa, Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, markets.

Dubbed Axcess Broadband, the service promises subscribers wireless Internet access at average speeds of 300 to 500 kb/s. Unlimited service will cost customers $69.99 per month; additionally, they must also purchase a Kyocera Passport wireless data card to enable network access.

Alltel’s EV-DO launch follows in the wake of similar rollout from Verizon Wireless, while Sprint plans to deploy its own EV-DO services by the third quarter of this year.

Alltel’s announcement also follows on the heels of news last week that its Touch2Talk-branded push-to-talk service now operates nationwide. The carrier also announced two new P2T-enabled phones: Kyocera’s KX440 and LG’s AX4750.