U.S. Cellular Corp. joined the push-to-talk fray with the launch of its SpeedTalk service, which operates on the carrier’s CDMA2000 1x data network that is available across its 25-state coverage area.
U.S. Cellular said the SpeedTalk offering allows customers to connect simultaneously with up to 20 other SpeedTalk users, and new groups or contacts can be added through the phones or via the Internet. Changes and additions show up instantly on users’ phones.
Unlimited SpeedTalk usage is available on calling plans beginning at $50 per month, with current customers able to switch to a SpeedTalk plan without signing new contracts. Certain business users also can add unlimited SpeedTalk usage to their existing plans for $10 per line.
Initial SpeedTalk-capable handsets will include the Kyocera KX440 and LG UX4750 models. The Kyocera phone is available for $220 before rebates, while the LG is available for $350 before rebates.
U.S. Cellular noted the service would appeal to both business and consumer segments.
“Press to talk has been around for several years, and today is most popular among contractors and delivery services,” noted Alan Ferber, vice president of marketing and sales operations for U.S. Cellular. “Its greatest limitation has always been its lack of reliability everywhere mobile users go. But combining the latest technology with our extensive network gives SpeedTalk the potential to be a huge success with families-including teenagers.”
The SpeedTalk service is reportedly similar to Verizon Wireless’ Push-to-Talk offering and Sprint Corp.’s ReadyLink service, which both use the carriers’ respective data networks and PTT platforms provided by Motorola Inc.’s Winphoria division.
Nextel Communications Inc. is considered the industry leader in offering PTT services having its iDEN-based Direct Connect service available on all the handsets it sells as well as providing the fastest call set-up and inter-call latency performance. Regional operator Alltel Corp. also offers its Kodiak Networks-based Touch2Talk service, which uses circuit-switched technology allowing Alltel to offer the service across its digital and analog networks.
