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Nextel provides exceptional services. Hispanolistic / Getty ImagesNextel phones provide a feature called Direct Connect, which enables you to press a button and instantly reach another Nextel user. This service is generally free as long as the other user is within the local coverage area. Additionally, you can create a group of up to 100 Nextel users to connect with at the same time, much like the dispatcher radios used by police or taxi services. This makes Nextel an excellent choice for businesses with remote workforces, such as those in the construction industry.
Nextel stands out from other service providers due to its distinct cellular network, which operates on its own frequencies and infrastructure in addition to the shared cellular network. This separate network, based on Motorola's Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), enables the Direct Connect feature. It utilizes the 800 MHz section of the radio spectrum allocated for specialized mobile radio (SMR) services. Nextel has acquired a substantial portion of these frequencies across many national and international cellular markets.
iDEN utilizes TDMA technology to divide a 25 KHz frequency into six distinct time slots. By combining half-duplex and full-duplex signals, iDEN can provide the following services:
- Standard cell phone voice calls
- Messaging (including pager and e-mail services)
- Digital two-way radio (both one-on-one and group) – this is known as the dispatch call functionality.
- Data services (Wireless Web and private networks)
The digital two-way radio service employs a half-duplex signal. Unlike a regular cell phone call, which uses two separate frequencies—one for sending and one for receiving—Direct Connect utilizes only one frequency. Direct Connect is based on the widely used Push To Talk (PTT) technology, typical of dispatch radio systems. PTT requires the speaker to press a button while speaking and release it when finished. The listener then presses their button to respond. This system ensures that the direction of the signal is always clear. For Direct Connect to function, Nextel sets up your phone to access the dispatch call service for reaching the designated contact(s). The recipient(s) must also be using Nextel’s service. Here’s what occurs when you place a Direct Connect call:
- You press the Direct Connect button, which is pre-programmed with the number(s) of the intended recipient(s).
- Your phone connects to the Nextel iDEN network.
- The network identifies this as a dispatch call (Direct Connect) rather than a regular interconnect call (typical cell phone call).
- The network then identifies if it’s a one-on-one or group call. For a group call, the network duplicates the digital voice packets for each recipient in the group.
- The network routes these packets to the appropriate phone(s) of the recipient(s).
- The recipient(s)’ phone alerts them to the incoming Direct Connect call.
- They pick up the call by pressing the Talk button. The person holding the button—whether for a one-on-one or group call—becomes the speaker.
- The call concludes when everyone disconnects.
As demonstrated, the Direct Connect feature still uses cellular technology to establish the connection with the recipient(s). Unlike traditional "walkie-talkie" style radios, which only work within a limited range, systems utilizing Direct Connect can function across the entire Nextel service area, typically covering large urban zones or even entire states.
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