REVIEW: Sprint Nextel’s QChat-based PTT performs admirably: CDMA-iDEN sessions work without hitch

Editor’s Note: Welcome to our weekly feature, Yay or Nay. Every week we’ll review a new wireless application or service from the user’s point of view, with the goal of highlighting what works and what doesn’t. If you wish to submit your application or service for review, please contact us atrcrwebhelp@crain.com.
Application: Sprint Nextel Direct Connect
Running On: Motorola V950 and LG LX400
Yay: Near instantaneous push-to-talk performance. Interoperability with millions of iDEN handsets. Feature-packed devices.
Nay: Missing a few features compared with its competitors. No-go when outside of EV-DO. And do people still want PTT?
We Say: Sprint Nextel’s recently revised, CDMA-based PTT offering performs as well as the iDEN benchmark and maintains the carrier’s position as head of the PTT herd.
Review: With the wireless industry’s three largest operators all offering push-to-talk options, it makes sense to have a look at what segment leader Sprint Nextel is doing in the space. The carrier recently updated its PTT service (coinciding with its upgrade to CDMA2000 1x EV-DO Revision A network technology) and is now using Qualcomm’s QChat technology for push to talk. The offering allows the carrier’s CDMA and iDEN customers to chirp at each other.
Similar to Verizon Wireless’ CDMA-based PTT offering (which we also recently reviewed), Sprint Nextel’s version provides for more feature-packed handsets that can take advantage of the carrier’s Rev. A network. The handsets used for this review included a ruggedized Motorola V950 that comes in a rubberized package that just begs to be dropped. The other device was an LG VX400, a mid-range, consumer-oriented device splashed in a snazzy shade of maroon.
So how does the PTT service work? Very well. Initial call setup between the two CDMA-based handsets was lightning quick. The service appeared to be a tad quicker than the initial call setup of Verizon Wireless’ non-QChat service and just about on par with Sprint Nextel’s industry-leading iDEN service.
The latency during PTT sessions was barely perceptible, and call quality was as good as normal wireless voice calls.
The more compelling test involved a PTT session between a CDMA and iDEN handset, which allows Sprint Nextel to tap into the approximately 15 million iDEN customers carrying around PTT devices. Call setup was just as quick when initiating a PTT call from a CDMA handset to an iDEN handset, though PTT action initiated from an iDEN phone took a fraction longer. Latency while in a PTT session was again not an issue.
However, when outside of Sprint Nextel’s EV-DO coverage area, the service ground to a halt. We managed to find an area where there was 1x coverage only, and a push of the rubberized, CDMA PTT button returned a pop-up message that the service was unavailable. The pop-up suggested we make a cellular call. How rude.
For comparison, when outside of EV-DO coverage, Verizon Wireless just slows down, but at least the PTT service is still available.
Another drawback to bringing an iDEN handset into the equation was the need to have the traditional iDEN Direct Connect number to initiate a call. This has long been a bugaboo of the iDEN technology, in that it requires two phone numbers, one for traditional voice calls and one for PTT calls.
The Sprint Nextel service also lacks the presence capability offered by competitors, which allows the user to see if their intended PTT partner has their phone on. With the Sprint Nextel service, attempts to connect to a powered-down phone returned a pop-up that the user was not available.
Despite the few drawbacks, Sprint Nextel’s CDMA-based PTT service continues the carrier’s leadership in the chirp-chirp space.