Sprint Nextel brings back Direct Connect for PTT services

Sprint Nextel Corp. has reverted to its Nextel branding for all of its push-to-talk products, regardless of whether they run on its CDMA or iDEN network.
The Nextel Direct Connect name will represent the carrier’s entire portfolio of PTT services and devices, and Sprint Nextel added that it plans to expand that portfolio in early 2008 with new devices and capabilities. The name also covers handsets that use both iDEN PTT and CDMA data connectivity.
“Customers know the brand stands for fast, reliable push-to-talk service,” said John Garcia, senior vice president of product management and development for Sprint Nextel.
Previously, the name “Ready Link” had identified the CDMA PTT service, and following Sprint Corp.’s acquisition of Nextel Communications Inc. in 2005, the company adopted the “Walkie Talkie” designation for its PTT offerings.