Why no push to talk in Ireland?

andrew

I've noticed that quite a few phones on sale here offer push to talk, but no network supports it here. It seems whopper, why isn't it supported?!

dumbyearbook

Not sure tbh but it is used/supported in the states apparently couriers and the like use it, just makes you phone into a walkie talkie really so not really that useful anyway.

We like texting too much in Ireland to have another means of communication, its also a bit old fashioned an idea I cannot see what anyone would need it for?

andrew

Well if it was cheaper than calling i'd use it all the time, esp on nights out or whatever when you're going to me close to the person you need to contact. Texting is good, but definately not perfect imo.

CantGetNoSleep

dumbyearbook wrote: »

Not sure tbh but it is used/supported in the states apparently couriers and the like use it, just makes you phone into a walkie talkie really so not really that useful anyway.

We like texting too much in Ireland to have another means of communication, its also a bit old fashioned an idea I cannot see what anyone would need it for?

Was talking to Americans in college this year and they couldn't understand why Irish people text so much

rebel.ranter

It's a cultural thing. It's a big hit in US but trials over here proved that it was hard to get people to adjust away from text, something that is now "normal".
Another example of mobile technology not being globally successful is iMode. It's huge in Japan but was a flop here & UK. That's because it is frowned upon in Japan to make voice calls n public areas like buses, trains, etc. iMode is silent so is acceptable.

Sam Vimes

afaik push to talk is free. If that is the case, that would explain why it was never introduced here

dumbyearbook

Seriously doubt its free. :eek: Nobody would spend at all if that were the case.

rebel.ranter

Sam Vimes wrote: »

afaik push to talk is free. If that is the case, that would explain why it was never introduced here

It doesn't mean it would have to be free over here. If operators thought they could develop a new revenue stream they would implement it.

A quick check of Cingular wireless shows that it's not free with them:

Add the feature to your account - get unlimited Push to Talk minutes, $9.99 per line with nation plans and $19.99 for all lines on your family talk plan OR you can use Push to Talk without signing up for a feature plan. Use Push to Talk whenever you want on a pay-per-use basis of just $0.15 per minute.

Source:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/ptt/

Black_Knight

I used it in NY a bit for a month or so. Really handy. For builders and the likes its really handy. Doubt the general public would find it any useful/economical.

elderlemon

Remember the U.S. is a very different (strange) market to the rest of the world. They are VERY VERY VERY voice centric - they prefer voice communications above all else hence the ptt option. PPT has no place on a mobile phone. You want PTT, get a walkie talkie!!