What are PTT Cell Phones
and Why Would I Need One?

To place a PTT call, you simply push on a button, usually located near the volume control on the side of the phone.

When you're finished talking, release the button. The person on the other end is then free to speak.

What's great about PTT cell phones is there's:

• No need to dial - you simply highlight the individual or group you'd like to call, and your connected instantly.

• No ringing - though you will hear a "beep" signaling a call has been placed to you.

• You can call Groups - typically, up to 10 people can join in your conversation - all by placing a single call.

• Less interuptions - if you're using the walkie talkie feature, incoming voice calls will go directed to your voice mail. PTT calls will typically get a busy signal.

What's not so great?

Limited choices.

Although Cingular, Sprint and Verizon now offer cell phone models with Push-to-Talk capability, Nextel is the only carrier with a large assortment of phones.

Here's a breakdown of the network each carrier uses for Push-to Talk capability and the service plans available.

Nextel's walkie-talkie phones operate on the iDEN network. The majority of cell phone models are manufactured by Motorola, with the exception of PDA's which are manufactured by Research in Motion (RIM).

Nextel PTT cell phone plans are called Direct Connect.

Sprint's Push to Talk phones use Voice Over Internet Protocol, also known as Voip. The majority of this carrier's PTT enabled phones are manufactured by Sanyo and Samsung.

Sprint offers "Ready Link" PTT cell phone plans for their Push to Talk phones.