It provides users with instant communication functionality

Aug 8, 2014 10:19 GMT  ·  By

On Thursday, mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless officially announced that select 4G LTE devices on its network were enhanced with a new feature, namely Push to Talk Plus.

With this functionality, said devices will provide their users with the possibility of enjoying instant communication with the simple push of a button.

According to the operator, the new capability was activated on handsets such as DROID MAXX, Samsung Galaxy S5, and Casio G’zOne Commando 4G LTE, as well as on other devices.

Soon, Push to Talk Plus will be available on even more smartphones on the carrier’s network, including the ruggedized Kyocera Brigadier, Verizon reveals.

At the same time, the company notes that this new feature is expected to prove a great option for many business users, especially to those who work in a fast-paced environment, where plans change frequently and new information need be shared with groups of people.

“Push to Talk Plus is now available for Verizon Wireless customers, with enhancements such as improved voice quality and faster call set up time, on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. The service is powered by Kodiak Networks, a global industry leader in push-to-talk platforms,” the carrier announces.

The wireless operator also explains that Push to Talk Plus will make conference calling much easier than before, as it has a Talker Priority feature designed to allow the initiator to override a group call, thus being the only speaker that everyone hears.

With this new functionality, leaders are able to take control of the call, which is expected to increase efficiency across the team.

However, this is not the only new capability that Verizon is offering to those who would like to experience push to talk on its network. It also provides them with options destined for those who are late to a group call.

“The Late Join feature on Push to Talk Plus lets that person join the group call late so they aren’t missing the whole conversation,” Verizon explains.

“And the Rejoin feature lets people drop and rejoin ongoing group calls, an option that comes in handy for those busy workers who may need to quickly speak to a client during a group call. Users also have the option to use Push to Talk over Wi-Fi.”

Verizon’s enterprise customers interested in adding Push to Talk Plus to their accounts should contact their B2B sales representatives, the carrier notes. As soon as the feature is added to the account, a message prompting the user to download the Push to Talk Plus app will arrive.

The carrier also announces that Push to Talk Plus is currently available for its customers with a credit for the first six months of service, but that a $5 (€3.74) monthly access fee will apply after that.