Verizon Wireless provided details on its highly anticipated Push to Talk service set to officially launch Aug. 18. As RCR Wireless News reported yesterday, the service allows customers to communicate across the carrier’s nationwide CDMA2000 1x network using the same phone number for both cellular and Push to Talk calls. The carrier said the service will provide for both one-to-one communications and group calling, which can be set up from the carrier’s Push to Talk Contact Management Web site.
The service, which is expected to compete against Nextel Communications Inc.’s Direct Connect service, will initially be available using Motorola Inc.’s V60p handset, which will sell for $150 with a two-year contract. The handset, which is expected to be joined by a Samsung Corp. model in the future, will also show when a user is available to participate in a Push to Talk call.
Pricing plans for the service will begin at $60 per month for 400 anytime voice minutes and unlimited one-to-one Push to Talk minutes, which is a $20 premium compared with the carrier’s America’s Choice plan that also includes 1,000 mobile-to-mobile minutes and unlimited night and weekend minutes.
Verizon Wireless added that customers signing up for a Push to Talk plan by Nov. 2 will receive unlimited night and weekend calling minutes, as well as 1,000 mobile-to-mobile minutes, and customers signing up for plans starting at $80 per month will receive an additional 100 to 200 bonus anytime calling minutes. The carrier also said customers who sign up before Dec. 31 will receive free group Push to Talk calling for as long as they stay on their service plans.
