Confirming rumors circulating earlier this week, Alltel Wireless has officially announced the launch of the HTC Touch. HTC’s Windows Mobile 6.0-based smartphone features a touch screen, 2 megapixel camera and microSD slot.

The Touch offered by Alltel also will feature an Alltel-exclusive interface panel that promises to provide customers with quick access to the latest applications to personalize their phones and be more productive on the go. Alltel said that customers can customize the phone with ringtones, themes and games, in addition to pre-programmed links to shopping applications.

“The HTC Touch provides our customers with the information they want, and the personalization they desire, right at their fingertips,” Brian Ullem, director of device strategy for Alltel Wireless, said in a statement.  “This elegant, modern smartphone is perfect for style-conscious buyers who want the functionality of a PDA with swift access to their photos, videos, music and more.”

The HTC Touch phone is available for $200 after a $100 mail-in rebate, when customers sign a 2-year service contract.

Alltel also announced a GPS application in partnership with AAA, called AAA Approved. The application enables users, including AAA members and non-members, to find AAA approved points of interest and other locations as well as quickly access AAA member roadside assistance from their GPS-enabled Alltel phones.

The AAA Mobile application is available for $10 per month or $3 per day.