Sprint's CDMA Direct Connect Arrives on October 2nd

Wireless services provider Sprint has just announced plans to launch its new Sprint Direct Connect services on October 2nd, bringing a new set of push–to-talk capabilities to its customers.

The new service will be available on the wireless carrier's CDMA network, and will offer broadband data capabilities and push-to-talk features, while being accompanied by a series of appealing, rugged devices.

The service will enjoy reduced availability in the beginning, but should benefit from an expanded reach starting with the next year, the wireless carrier unveiled.

With the new launch, Sprint puts together its 3G network and an enhanced push-to-talk platform that will provide users with a great experience while on the go.

Users will enjoy increased reliability, support for applications, access to Sprint’s broadband speeds, social and multimedia support, and other features as well.

The upgraded push-to-talk platform that will be available for Sprint's customers is designed in collaboration with Qualcomm, and can deliver Sprint Direct Connect enhancements and expanded coverage.

In early 2012, the Sprint Direct push-to-talk coverage area should be the same as the Sprint CDMA voice coverage area, the wireless carrier announced, adding that international push-to-talk calling will also become available.

Some of the main features that the new service will bring along include:

- Direct Connect – Instant, one-to-one push-to-talk calling nationwide, with any other Direct Connect subscriber. Direct Connect is the core push-to-talk feature and is designed for interoperability across Sprint and Nextel network platforms.
- Guaranteed Talk Permit – The assurance that when you hear the push-to-talk “chirp” that your call was successfully transmitted.
- Call Alert with Text – Send an audio alert with an optional text message to let another Direct Connect subscriber know you are trying to reach them and why.
- Group Connect – Communicate with up to 20 other Sprint Direct Connect subscribers all at once – nationwide, at the push of one button.
- TeamDC – Communicate with up to 200 other Sprint Direct Connect subscribers at the same time nationwide1.
- NextMail – Send a recorded message to any email worldwide or mobile handset via text message by using the Direct Connect button.
- Availability Notification – Request the availability status of another push-to-talk member and, if they are busy, request a notification when they are free.