The instant connectivity of Nextel Direct Connect on Nextel phones also makes it a valued tool for public safety personnel. It has the only “off-network” capability, Direct Talk(SM), which is critical for public safety users during emergency response situations. This short range radio-to-radio capability provides a critical communications option when the network is unavailable. (Environment, terrain, structures, in-building use & other factors may affect range/performance.) Sprint also offers exclusive public safety applications such as Priority Connect(R), Emergency Talkgroup(SM) and Priority on Group Connect.

“My department relies on Nextel Direct Connect for our daily communication operations and it is an absolute requirement during an emergency or natural disaster,” said Charles Werner, Fire Chief, Charlottesville Fire Department. “For example, a few years back during a tornado warning, our public telephone networks were overloaded with calls. Nextel Direct Connect worked and helped us communicate when we needed it the most. Direct Connect and Priority Connect are vitally important as these features allow us to establish a parallel communications network and greatly enhance our mission critical radio system.”

New Devices Deliver Nextel Direct Connect Benefits

With more than 15 years of push-to-talk expertise, Sprint has the largest portfolio of Nextel Direct Connect devices, including the largest selection of rugged phones certified to Military Standard 810F for dust, shock, vibration, etc.