As Sprint PCS continues to trial its push-to-talk solution ahead of a planned pre-year-end launch date, details emerged last week about the offering that is expected to include at least a pair of color-screen handsets when launched and a claimed larger coverage area than both Nextel Communications Inc.’s Direct Connect service and Verizon Wireless’ Push to Talk offering.
According to internal sales documents, Sprint PCS’ push-to-talk service, which is referred to as PCS Push-to-Talk, initially will use a pair of Sanyo Corp. handsets, including a ruggedized model similar to the 4900 handset Sprint PCS already offers and a flip phone similar to the 8100 camera phone. Sprint PCS’ literature notes that all planned PTT phones will be compatible with the carrier’s PCS Vision service and offer color screens.
The 5.3-ounce ruggedized handset, which sources said is being used in network trials, is expected to target the construction market and will include dual-band and dual-mode capabilities. The four-ounce flip phone replaces the camera on the outside flip of the 8100 with a speaker phone deemed necessary for a push-to-talk offering and will include dual-band and tri-mode capabilities. Prices for both handsets have yet to be determined.
Sprint PCS notes that the handsets’ multi-band and multi-mode capabilities, as well as its all-digital network, will allow the carrier to offer greater coverage for both voice and push-to-talk services than either Nextel or Verizon. Sprint’s voice coverage of 243 million potential customers tops Verizon Wireless’ 240 million pops and Nextel’s 222 million pops, while its push-to-talk coverage of the same 243 million pops holds a larger advantage over Verizon Wireless’ 200 million push-to-talk pops and the same advantage over Nextel’s 222 million pops covered, according to Sprint PCS.
Sprint PCS’ push-to-talk services are expected to include one-to-one calls and group calls to up to five other users. Sprint PCS’ service will also use one number for both cellular and PTT calls similar to Verizon Wireless, and will allow users to input new contacts through the handset as well as a dedicated Web site. Enterprise administrators also will be able to send contact information to a user’s handset.
While pricing for the service was not released, Sprint PCS noted the PTT service will include unlimited nationwide push-to-talk calling for a flat monthly fee that includes both one-to-one and group calls, with a stand-alone push-to-talk option also available.
A Sprint PCS spokesman told RCR Wireless News last week that the carrier was still testing its push-to-talk service and that it expects the service to take market share from both the business and consumer markets.
“We are going to get it right from the start and we are confident we are going to launch with a competitive product,” said Sprint PCS spokesman Dan Wilinsky.
Analysts expected Sprint PCS to launch its push-to-talk service early next month, though some think that date may have been pushed back following latency criticism Verizon Wireless’ service received following its August launch. Sprint PCS is believed to be using similar Winphoria-based infrastructure that Verizon Wireless is using for its push-to-talk service.
