REGINA – SaskTel has launched its next generation 4G Push-to-Talk (4G PTT) service, billed as the new alternative for its current 10-4 service that operates on the CDMA network.
Using Kodiak Networks InstaPoC as the technology platform, the new 4G PTT service will run over SaskTel's 4G network that covers more than 98% of Saskatchewan's population and connects to the national 4G network.
With PTT running over the 4G network, call set-up times and response times will be sub-second, and users may talk one-on-one or in a group of up to 100 push to talk subscribers. The system will offer Talker Identification, Instant Personal Alert, and Real-time Presence which gives the user the ability to indicate if they are “available,” for a call or in “do not disturb” mode. The service will include the Samsung Galaxy Rugby LTE smartphone at time of launch and Sonim rugged devices at a later date.
“Working closely with Kodiak, we have developed an excellent service for our 4G customers,” said Jason Durant, SaskTel’s acting chief marketing officer, in the news release. “We expect the transition to be smooth. We will waive any early device upgrade fees for current 10-4 subscribers who are ready to upgrade to the new 4G Push-to-Talk devices so they can continue to enjoy the benefits of push-to-talk.”
