Walkie-Talkie Mobile Phone combination

Omega_1

Having just returned from the US I saw numerous examples of what can only be described as a mobile phone BUT with the additional service of a 'walkie-talkie' system whereby say a family (or a business)can talk to each other directly without the mobile phone service being involved. This seemed to work over vast areas and not with a limited few miles range as normal walkie talkie systems have over here. Question: Does any of the UK mobile phone companies have a similar system over here ? Is there any UK system that a family can communicate with each other either free or at low cost ? Thanks in advance for any help.

mobilegossip

Known as Push To Talk has not taken off here yet.

Google "Push to talk" to find out more.

Elf_2

"Push to Talk" does exist in the UK - in fact it's standard on most new phones like the Nokia 6230i - however it does not work through a radio signal (as standard PTT or Walkie-Talkie equipment does) but it works through your WAP system - and most networks charge for WAP use - although it is inclusive in some contracts.
Hope that helps.

Omega_1

Many thanks for the explanation - am now a wiser person. Whilst I do use the 6230i, sadly Orange do charge me for WAP useage so am stumped. IN the meantime, is there any company that operates a 'family' system whereby anyone in a (say) 4 member family can speak with each other without incurring normal charges or using up precious 'free' minutes ?

greyster

Business tariffs do free calls between all handsets on same contract.

pennypincher_2

"Push to Talk" does exist in the UK

Though on a recent trip from NY my friends V400P Motorola allowed PTT use whilst roaming here,so...the networks have the ability.

deutzkiwi

Omega_1 wrote:

IN the meantime, is there any company that operates a 'family' system whereby anyone in a (say) 4 member family can speak with each other without incurring normal charges or using up precious 'free' minutes ?

Orange do a tarrifs called "Family Plan" although I dont know alot about them ,perhaps these would allow this? I believe it allows two contract phones and two payg on one bill (£10 top up per payg is charged to the bill each month), perhaps someone else knows more? Could be worth looking into.

jackbauer_2

they use it on 24


copy that

Stephen_Webber

The Orange product is called Talk Now, which I worked on before I left Orange (installation and support). It works the same way as a normal call (doesn't use GPRS) and allows you to setup groups of users (aka MSN/Yahoo Messenger). You can then make calls to people who are showing online, either to an individual or to groups. As far as I am aware, it is still only available on a few handsets - read here for more information.

Cheers,
Stephen

littlemisscheap

Anyone know if O2 have a similar service?