Walkie-talkie calls just a touch away

Vodafone's new 'push to talk' phone.

Vodafone will turn mobile phones into global walkie-talkies with the launch of a "push to talk" service on Monday.

Vodafone business marketing general manager Phil Patel said the launch represented an evolution of real-time messaging.

"Push to talk allows the user to have one device that will perform all the functions of mobile radio communication, while having the freedom of a mobile phone."

A button enables users to make a walkie-talkie call to an individual or group of users without dialling a number or organising a conference call.

Up to 50 contact groups, containing a maximum of 20 people, can be programmed into the phone.

A "presence status" icon shows which group members are available to talk. Contact details are stored on the network to protect users in case they lose their phone.

Patel said 10 months of trials with more than 300 customers ensured the service was relevant and had a good technological lifespan.

"Service, retail, and distribution-based industries are the customers showing most interest," he said.

"Because of this, it will be especially popular with the likes of couriers, taxis, limousines, car rental, transport, construction, airports, airlines and logistics."

MyMobile magazine editor David McNickel said: "I think potentially this could be the next killer application in mobility."

He said although initially aimed at businesses, there was potential for everyday use.

"I think it will be more applicable to teenagers, rather than having to call each other or go to the hassle of texting ... they can just push to talk, 'Hey are ya there, what's happening?' "

New Zealand is several years behind the US where more than 17 million people use such technology, but competition to be first here is fierce.

Telecom New Zealand general manager of mobile Kevin Kenrick said Telecom would launch its service "within days".

He said the company had already sold 25,000 push-to-talk handsets since last November in preparation for the launch.

"It's not surprising that they [Vodafone] are coming to the party at the last minute because we've been pretty open about the fact that we are fully rolling out our service."

Vodafone product manager Fraser King said users would be able to talk to group members in 29 countries.