Sprint links both its networks for walkie-talkie call
By Brian White 
posted Jul 24th 2007 6:34PM
posted Jul 24th 2007 6:34PM
Although Sprint has decided to dump the Nextel name from all its marketing efforts, it is (of course) keeping that billion-dollar iDEN network operational. To drive that point home, the wireless carrier made the first walkie-talkie connection between two different phones (one on each network) recently. Yes, Nextel's "Direct Connect" talked to Sprint's upgraded EV-DO revision A network as the carrier prepares to make that newer EV-DO revision A network interoperable with the older iDEN network sometime next year when it comes to that chirping walkie talkie feature.
holy shnikes its about time!!! Now let's see some real smartphones with the PTT.
Finally! My contract is up with Sprint this month and I was about to switch over to the iPhone, but I've been waiting for this to happen (since everyone I know uses the chirp).
But we won't get to do this til next year? Don't know if I can wait that long......
That is inaccurate. The call was a QChat call. Qchat is the next step in PTT for Sprint. QChat runs on Rev. A networks. ReadyLink is going bye bye.
yeah this post is a bit confusing... it was my understanding that the inter-network ptt call was between an iden handset (nextel walkie-talkie) and presumably some prototype handset featuring Qchat ptt over EV-DO Rev. A and NOT ReadyLink (1xRTT)
To the previous two posters... How is the story inaccurate? Where in the story does it say anything about Ready Link or 1xRTT? It clearly says 'Nextel's "Direct Connect" talked to Sprint's upgraded EV-DO revision A network...' This implies Q-Chat, which we all know and agree will run on EV-DO Rev.A.
well the story WAS inaccurate... before the aforementioned posters pointed out the inaccuracy... looks like all is well now. =)