Regional wireless carrier C Spire is looking to tap into the wide-open push-to-talk market, offering up an enhanced PTT service targeting enterprise, government agencies and service organizations. The launch follows Sprint’s move last month to turn off its one-time industry leading PTT service that ran across the carrier’s iDEN network.
C Spire noted that its “next-generation PTT” offering is IP-based and works over Wi-Fi, 3G and LTE data connections. Those connections are secured with a 256-bit encryption and deployed through a partnership with long-time PTT solution provider Kodiak Networks and equipment giant Ericsson. C Spire, then known as Cellular South, had previously launched PTT services using the Kodiak platform.
Device support for the offering will include Samsung’s Galaxy S II, S III and Unimax 680 smartphones; as well as BlackBerry’s Curve 9360 and Bold Touch devices. C Spire claims the offering provides sub-one second call set up and talk groups up to 130 members.
The service is offered for $6 per month when added to an existing voice and data plan or $30 per month as a stand-alone option.
The PTT space at one point was dominated by Nextel Communications, which ruled the roost thanks to the performance characteristics of its iDEN network in setting up and handling PTT calls. Sprint has been increasingly trying to migrate those customers to a version of the PTT offering running across its CDMA and LTE networks, resulting in millions of those customers looking for alternative carriers. A handful of wireless operators rolled out early versions of competing services, many using solutions from Kodiak, and have recently began to update those offerings in order to garner customers churning from the demise of the iDEN network.
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