Sprint makes push-to-talk possible on more phones

OVERLAND PARK, USA: Sprint has added more Sprint Direct Connect-capable handsets to its push-to-talk portfolio. On the new phones, push-to-talk service can be installed quickly by accessing the Google Play store and downloading the free "Sprint Direct Connect Now" application.

Sprint Direct Connect service is included for no additional charge on many service plans or available for an additional $5 per month for other plans.

The new phones that can be made push-to-talk ready with the Sprint Direct Connect Now application today are Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 3, LG G2, G Flex, Optimus F3 and Kyocera Hydro Edge. It is coming soon on Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy Mega and Samsung Galaxy S4 with Sprint Spark.

"With Sprint Direct Connect Now, consumers and businesses can easily download push-to-talk service to help mobilize their lives, their businesses, and their workforces," said John Tudhope, Sprint director-Product Marketing.

"Sprint Direct Connect Now is the ideal complement to our portfolio of rugged, military spec Sprint Direct Connect handsets that our long time push-to-talk customers have grown accustomed to - especially construction workers, manufacturers and emergency workers."

Sprint Direct Connect Now marks another milestone for the Sprint push-to-talk franchise. Today, Sprint Direct Connect has matured into a service featuring:

• Sprint Direct Connect platform upgrades to support push-to-talk on Sprint's 4G LTE Network.
• Triple the square miles of coverage compared to the former Nextel National Network.
• Instant call setup time on domestic push-to-talk calls.
• International coverage to Latin American countries that most frequently use push-to-talk service (SDC Now international capability coming in future update).