AT&T today announced the availability of its Enhanced Push-To-Talk service, an update that adds a wide range of new features to its PTT offering. According to AT&T, Enhanced PTT works on 3G and LTE 4G networks and boasts faster call set-up times, presence indicators, and the ability to run on a wide range of smartphones and feature phones. The improved service also adds a bevy of business-friendly tools, such as integration with enterprise applications, supervisor override capabilities for important communiques, and support for large contact databases and large groups (1000 and 250, respectively).
AT&T also announced the Samsung Rugby III and the Sonim XP5560 Bolt are the first two devices to ship with its Enhanced Push-To-Talk service on board.
- Rugby III: This ruggedized flip phone is built to mil-spec 810G for protection from water and dust ingress, as well as from shock. It includes a 2.4-inch QVGA display and a 3 megapixel camera. It is free with a new two-year PTT contract.
- Bolt: The Bolt is an ultra-rugged phone built to endure the toughest environments. It is a bar-style device that can withstand six-foot drops to concrete and submersion in water for up to 30 minutes. It is being sold for $199 with new PTT contracts.
Availability of the devices was not provided. Enhanced Push-To-Talk service is also being made available as an application to devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro, the RIM BlackBerry Curve 9360 and Bold 9900.
AT&T’s new Enhanced PTT plans cost $5 per month when added to existing AT&T voice and data plans or $30 per month for a PTT-only rate plan (no voice or non-PTT data included).
