AT&T First Carrier to Offer Enhanced Push-to-Talk for iPhone with Wi-Fi Calling

Posted by Amy Eichelberg

Monday, June 10th, 2013

AT&T has just released a version of Enhanced Push-to-Talk for Apple’s platform, letting employees with an iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 communicate instantly with large groups. AT&T’s is proud of this app as it’s the first to support the push-to-talk service over WiFi. EPTT still requires an AT&T subscription, but this may entice someone who just ended a Sprint contract looking for that push-to-talk feature. The full press release follows below:

AT&T First U.S. Carrier to Offer Enhanced Push-to-Talk on iPhone Through New App Available to Business Customers

AT&T Expands Access via In-building Wi-Fi

DALLAS, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — AT&T* Enhanced Push-to-Talk (EPTT) is now available to AT&T business customers through a new app available for iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S. This marks the first time a U.S. carrier is offering push-to-talk capabilities on iPhone**.

In addition, AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk can now be used over Wi-Fi, giving U.S.-based customers improved in-building coverage and access to the service via compatible Wi-Fi networks. AT&T operates the U.S.’s largest Wi-Fi network***, including more than 32,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots.

“Across industries such as manufacturing, engineering, hospitality, construction and government, organizations need instant communications in challenging environments,” said Mike Troiano, Vice President, Advanced Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions. “From the start, AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk was designed specifically for AT&T’s speedy 4G LTE networks**** and now we are offering even more devices so our business customers can communicate faster and to larger talk groups.”

IDC analyst John Weber recently wrote,1 “The performance of AT&T’s EPTT service was comparable to traditional mobile voice services,” and that, “With many mobile workers working within the four walls of the enterprise, building in Wi-Fi functionality is an important element to consider.”

Key features of AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk for iPhone include:

— Larger contact lists and talk groups than competitive push-to-talk solutions

— Ability to combine push-to-talk services and mobile applications, with help available from AT&T’s team of mobility consulting and integration experts

— Supervisory override that allows supervisors to communicate important time sensitive messages to their team

— Call setup in less than one second

To learn more about AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk, contact your AT&T sales representative.

* AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

** For full details on Enhanced Push-to-Talk features and requirements, see Terms of Service. AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk requires service subscription, download and installation of the Enhanced PTT software, and acceptance of the End User License Agreement. User interface may vary by device. Some features may not be available on all devices. Enhanced PTT performance may be limited in 2G coverage areas. Availability, security, speed, timeliness, accuracy and reliability of service are not guaranteed by AT&T.

***A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

**** Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. LTE is trademark of ETSI. 4G speeds not available everywhere.