Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the availability of Nextel Direct Send(SM) Picture, a first-of-its-kind service that allows Nextel subscribers with capable Nextel phones the ability to send and review a picture quickly and easily, all while on a Nextel Walkie-Talkie call. The picture simultaneously appears on both the user's and recipient's phones during the call - so they can both view and discuss it without changing between voice and data services. This capability builds upon the Direct Send service launched last year that utilizes the Nextel Walkie-Talkie button to send contact information and transfer the data into another subscriber's contact list.
Nextel Direct Send Picture is ideal for those who communicate frequently about site observations and events taking place in real time. For example, realtors could use it to review and discuss a new property on the market with a client. Insurance adjustors assessing damage claims also would find the service valuable as they instantly communicate on-site information to their home office and customers, all using Walkie-Talkie capability.
"With the launch of Nextel Direct Send Picture, Sprint further expands the benefits of the Nextel Walkie-Talkie portfolio by offering enhanced services that move beyond traditional capabilities," said Rena Bhattacharyya, IDC. "Sprint continues to maintain its leadership and build upon its expertise in the push to communicate arena, leveraging an innovative portfolio with an understanding of business telecommunication requirements."
"While sending pictures between mobile phones has been possible for quite some time, Direct Send Picture is unique in the marketplace because it allows customers to look at and discuss an image at the same time," said Tony Krueck, vice president, product development and management, for Sprint. "This kind of simple and efficient communication that is the hallmark of Nextel Walkie-Talkie services is of extreme value to our customers, especially those in the construction, insurance, real estate and public safety sectors."
Using Direct Send to transmit a picture is easy if you have a capable Nextel phone, and involves just a few simple steps. While in a Walkie-Talkie call, a user can take a picture and send it, or select one already saved onto the handset. As part of a special introductory offer, customers will be able to use the Direct Send Picture service free of charge until February 28, 2006. Following the promotional period, users will be charged a per-image fee of $0.25 for images sent and received. Nextel Walkie-Talkie usage may apply to the period of the call before and after the image is transmitted, depending on a customer's rate plan.
Direct Send Picture is now available on the recently announced Motorola i870, and will be included on all future Nextel phones. Software upgrades to enable Direct Send Picture will also be rolled out over the coming weeks for select Nextel phone models already in the market including the Motorola i850, i760, i560, i355 and i275.
Nextel has been at the forefront of Walkie-Talkie innovation for more than 13 years, and has continually enhanced its portfolio of services to provide customers innovative, instant communications options across the country, across borders and virtually everywhere in between. In addition to Direct Send Picture, Nextel Walkie-Talkie services (previously branded Direct Connect) include:
