Crashing Nextel's Walkie-Talkie Party

By Olga Kharif
BusinessWeek
SEPTEMBER 2, 2003

"Time will tell if copycat rivals' push-to-talk features measure up to the original, but it's certain that next year will see a fierce fight for customers

For almost a decade, Nextel (NXTL ) has reaped the benefits of being the only wireless-service provider to offer push-to-talk service. With handsets that function as walkie-talkies, the service allows users such as construction workers and repairmen to chat with home offices and co-workers through a two-way radio link. It has proven to be a remarkably popular mode of communication and Nextel's main differentiator. Indeed, many analysts credit it with allowing the fifth-largest wireless carrier in the U.S. to enjoy the industry's lowest customer turnover and average revenue per user of at least $10 more than the other players."