Sprint is on the verge of offering a new version of its push-to-talk service, according to the company's web site. Direct Connect Plus, when it becomes available, will allow "a wide selection of feature phones, smartphones, and tablets" to make PTT calls via 3G, 4G LTE, and WiFi. The service will support real-time presence, broadcast calling, desktop-based dispatch operations, corporate administration tools, and Land Mobile Radio interoperability. Sprint's web site says Direct Connect Plus is coming soon. Sprint's existing PTT service is powered by Qualcomm technology, but clues suggest Sprint may be switching to Kodiak Networks as its PTT provider. As pointed out by Fierce Wireless, Kodiak lists Sprint as a carrier partner on its own web site. Moreover, Kodiak plainly says Sprint's Direct Connect Plus service "leverages the Kodiak platform." Neither Sprint nor Kodiak has confirmed the change, but the details shared on the companies' public web sites would appear to spill the beans. Earlier this week, Motorola Solutions announced plans to acquire Kodiak Networks for an undisclosed sum. There's no word if the deal will impact the launch of Sprint's new Direct Connect Plus launch.


More...