Push To Talk Devices That Work Over Cellular

[JASII]

I am not sure if this is the correct sub-forum, but are there currently push to talk devices that work by simply inserting a GSM SIM card, like AT&T or T-Mobile, and allow Nextel like communications?

 

[mmckenna]

Yes. Icom makes one,
LTE Radio Solution - LTE-CONNECT - Icom America

There are a few Chinese companies selling such products, but not sure if they have proper type acceptance to be legal is the USA.
Also, a number of higher end LMR radios are coming out with LTE and WiFi capability. Harris is one that comes to mind, but they are pretty pricy.

 

[fyrfyter33]

I am not sure if this is the correct sub-forum, but are there currently push to talk devices that work by simply inserting a GSM SIM card, like AT&T or T-Mobile, and allow Nextel like communications?

If you want this, why not just use Zello? It’s free, works on any smartphone, and has group options.

 

[CQ]

Try them:

Products – Network Radios

 

[JASII]

Thank you for the replies. For certain outdoor activities, particularly in remote areas, I would love to have some handheld devices that would do simplex on FRS/GMRS/MURS, etc AND be able to connect to a cellular network. If it has Bluetooth and off-network texting capabilities, all the better!

 

[ramal121]

We were testing out Talkpods. The subscriber units were nothing to write home about (think CCR). Worked on LTE with an ATT sim.

What surprised me was the network. Worked very well, Press the button and talk every time, no failures. Very short delay consistently. And the audio was really not bad. Had private and group calls. Works better than Nextel ever did and it's head and shoulders above Zello.

The word I get is Talkpod may be folding. I will be looking at other offerings (Icom???) and see if they are worth the effort to try out. I kind of like the idea of these things.

 

[CQ]

Thank you for the replies. For certain outdoor activities, particularly in remote areas, I would love to have some handheld devices that would do simplex on FRS/GMRS/MURS, etc AND be able to connect to a cellular network. If it has Bluetooth and off-network texting capabilities, all the better!

Cell service and remote areas? Shell out some $ for sat phone service or something like the inReach SE+. Hard to find a type accepted device with those services.

 

[JASII]

Cell service and remote areas? Shell out some $ for sat phone service or something like the inReach SE+. Hard to find a type accepted device with those services.

I have been eyeing one of those up. I am hoping that FirstNet will bring AT&T to more places that we go ATVing. In the meantime, I have a Samsung Galaxy S9 on Total Wireless (Verizon MVNO) and bring along an AT&T hotspot.

 

[mmckenna]

I am hoping that FirstNet will bring AT&T to more places that we go ATVing.

Don't hold your breath. FIrstNet will expand, likely including AT&T consumer services, but it'll never cover everywhere.

I do a lot of ATV'ing, we used commercial UHF radios on GMRS until I was able to get the rest of the gang to get their amateur licenses. Now we use 2 meter band. Portables on the ATV's, and mobiles on the UTV's. Good antennas on the UTV's make the difference.
I'd never rely on a cell phone out there.

 

[n1das]

I am not sure if this is the correct sub-forum, but are there currently push to talk devices that work by simply inserting a GSM SIM card, like AT&T or T-Mobile, and allow Nextel like communications?

Motorola TLK100:
WAVE™Two-Way Radio - Motorola Solutions

Not a CCR but another option and a high quality option at that.