Verizon Wireless launches national push to talk service

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless service provider, today announced the nationwide availability of Verizon Wireless Push to Talk service on Monday, August 18, 2003. Push to Talk from Verizon Wireless will allow customers to connect directly, in seconds, with other Verizon Wireless Push to Talk users by simply pressing a button on their push to talk capable handset. The new walkie-talkie feature provides customers with a fast connection to the people they communicate with most and the reliability of Verizon Wireless' nationwide wireless network.

Business customers will find the new feature especially appealing for managing work groups. Push to Talk customers can set up and manage group-calling lists directly from the Verizon Wireless Push to Talk Contact Management Web site, without a call to customer service or a visit to a Verizon Wireless Communications Store. Icons appear directly on the handset, indicating which users are available to participate in a walkie-talkie call so the customer doesn't waste valuable time attempting to identify which contact is available.

"The addition of a Verizon Wireless Push to Talk feature to our recognized high-quality wireless service addresses an emerging market that combines convenient connectivity with dependable wireless voice and data services," said Lowell McAdam, chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless. "The ability for customers to see who is available to participate in a Push to Talk call before they push the button is a compelling service feature."

Verizon Wireless Push to Talk Features

• Nationwide Network — Verizon Wireless Push to Talk customers have the confidence of knowing their service is on the nationwide Verizon Wireless Network. Customers can connect with different individuals or groups on their Push to Talk Contact List to quickly share information with everyone.

• Convenient Self-Provisioning Contact List — Push to Talk customers can talk one-to-one or with groups of up to 10 participants. Creating and organizing Contact Lists is easy and free on the Verizon Wireless Push to Talk Contact Management Web site: www.verizon.com/support/pushtotalk-plus-faqs. Customers may change their Contact Lists as often as they like and create up to 50 different group lists and store 150 individual Push to Talk contacts. As the Push to Talk Contact Management Web site is self-provisioning, there is no need to call customer service to create and manage Contact Lists.

• One Number Convenience — Customers with Push to Talk have only one phone number for both their wireless service and Push to Talk service.

• Reliable, Multi-purpose Motorola V60p Phone — Use the V60p as a wireless phone — or use it as a walkie-talkie. The digital handset has a dedicated Push to Talk button and speakerphone — and provides users with access to other Verizon Wireless services, such as America's ChoiceSM nationwide calling, Mobile Web by VZW with MSN® and TXT Messaging. The GPS-enabled Motorola V60p, sells for $149.99 with a two-year contract, and with a phone book that stores 500 alphanumeric entries, is made for the busy professional. For a limited time, customers purchasing an extra battery when they sign up for service will receive $10 off the cost of the battery.

• Push to Talk Service Plans Available to Fit Every Budget — The monthly access for the America's Choice with Push to Talk plans that include Unlimited One-to-One Push to Talk are:

  • $59.99 for 400 Anytime voice minutes

  • $69.99 for 500 Anytime voice minutes

  • $79.99 for 700 Anytime voice minutes

  • $99.99 for 1000 Anytime voice minutes

  • $119.99 for 1300 Anytime voice minutes

  • $169.99 for 2200 Anytime voice minutes

  • $219.99 for 3200 Anytime voice minutes

Until November 2, 2003, all Verizon Wireless America's Choice with Push to Talk service customers 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 upon the plan they select.

All Verizon Wireless Push to Talk service plans include nationwide calling at no additional charge, and include 3-Way Calling, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Caller ID, and Voice Mail with Message Waiting Indicator. For more information on Push to Talk from Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizon.com.  

Free Group Push to Talk Calling

 Customers who sign up before December 31, 2003, will receive free Group Push to Talk calling for as long as they stay on their service plan.