Verizon Launches National Push-to-Talk Service

By Staff -- TWICE, 9/1/2003

Bedminster, N.J. — Verizon Wireless announced last week the availability of its push-to-talk (PTT) service, allowing its customers to connect directly with other Verizon push-to-talk users.

The new walkie-talkie feature will be available on the Motorola V60p digital handset, which features a dedicated PTT button and speakerphone. The GPS-enabled V60p has a phone book that can store up to 500 alphanumeric entries and sells for $149.99 with a two-year contract.

The PTT service is on Verizon's nationwide network and subscribers get the same number for both their wireless and PTT service. Customers can talk one-on-one or with groups of up to 10 people. The company also unveiled its PTT contact management Web site (www.vzwpushtotalk.com), where customers can edit contact lists and store 150 individual PTT contacts.

For a limited time, customers purchasing an extra battery with the V60p when they sign up for the service will receive $10 off the cost of the battery. The PTT service plans include America's Choice with unlimited one-to-one PTT starting at $59.99 a month.

Until Nov. 2, all Verizon Wireless America's Choice with PTT service customers will receive unlimited night and weekend calling as well as 1,000 national mobile-to-mobile minutes. Customers who sign up for plans of $79.99 or more will also receive 100 to 200 additional Bonus Anytime minutes, depending on the plan they select.

All Verizon PTT plans will include three-way calling, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID and voice mail with message waiting indicator.