The Samsung (News - Alert) SCH-r500 handset, a sleek clamshell phone for Cricket customers, is now available to Cricket customers.

Sergio Garcia, director of device strategy for Cricket said that this hip and versatile device will help their customers make full use of Cricket’s extensive range of unlimited wireless voice and data services.

Garcia explained that the handset’s changeable face plates coupled with its MP3-player capabilities will make the phone especially attractive to their customers who want to stay on the cutting edge of trends and fashion.

“We are pleased to be working with Samsung on bringing even more variety in handset selection to our growing customer base,” he added in a statement.

Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung pointed out that this feature-rich and stylish device allows the user to customize their phone to match their personal style. He expressed his company’s excitement for having the opportunity to offer the r500 to Cricket subscribers, and believe that given its changeable look and wide range of features, it will be popular among Cricket’s young subscribers.

Compatible with Cricket’s nationwide roaming service, the SCH-r500 supports Cricket Games & Apps, Mobile WEB and Quick Search. Measuresing 3.72 x 1.95 x .66 inches and weighing 3.34 ounces, the phone is BREW capable for downloadable wallpapers, screensavers and ringtones directly over the air to add to those already included on the phone. The SCH-r500 has digital talk-time up to 3.5 hours and standby time up to 350 hours.

Customers can purchase the SCH-r500 phone at select Cricket retail stores and Cricket dealers immediately for $199.99.

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America.

Cricket is a simple, affordable wireless service offering consumers and local businesses a flat-rate unlimited service over the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network.

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Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.