Wireless Provider First to Bring Innovative Service to State

Cellular One has announced it will start offering nationwide Push to Talk Service (P2T) in Alaska beginning in April.

Cellular One, the largest wireless provider in the state, said it will be the first company in Alaska to offer Push to Talk, which is a walkie-talkie type service that allows customers to communicate directly without the dialing and ringing experience of a traditional wireless call.

“We are extremely excited to bring this feature to Alaska first,” said Thomas K. Roberts, Chief Marketing Officer for Cellular One. “Push to Talk will revolutionize the way Alaskans communicate and give our customers exclusive access to another dynamic wireless innovation.”

P2T calls can be made directly to one person or to a group of people via a special handset that also functions as a traditional voice and data device. In essence, P2T lets the user get more done and leave fewer voice mails, Roberts said.

Cellular One expects to offer Push to Talk compatible handsets for under $100 and unlimited use of the feature for as low as $19.99 per month when added to a qualifying rate plan.

In addition to Alaska, where Cellular One operates a state-of-the-art GSM/GPRS/EDGE network, Push to Talk will work in Hawaii and throughout the lower 48 states.

“Push to Talk doesn’t replace traditional voice calls,” said Frank Franzese, Cellular One’s Senior Vice President of Sales, “it gives businesses and consumers an alternate way to stay in contact with co-workers, friends and family.”

Franzese said Alaska’s construction industry, oil and gas sector and emergency services like police, fire and first responders make the state an ideal place for the company to launch this feature. What’s more, Franzese also said Push to Talk will be a great way for families to communicate.

“We can see the job foreman using P2T to immediately give his workers instructions just the same as mom can find out immediately what time her 16 year-old will be home,” he said. “The possibilities of this feature are endless and given the fact that we are offering unlimited service for one low monthly charge, it’s affordable for everyone.”

“Cellular One is committed to Alaska,” Roberts said. “We’ve spent millions of dollars investing in network improvements that have allowed us to be the first carrier to bring products and services here like Push to Talk, BlackBerry devices and state-wide and national unlimited calling plans. We look forward to continuing to serve the wireless needs of the state.”

Source: Cellular One