Sprint has launched Sprint Direct Connect, a new push-to-talk service that includes broadband data capabilities for rugged handsets. Sprint's 3G data network and enhanced push-to-talk platform, designed in partnership with Qualcomm, will deliver instant calls and support for new data tools, such as business productivity applications, social and multimedia support and advanced push-to-X capabilities in the future. Users get one-to-one, push-to-talk calling nationwide with any other Direct Connect subscriber. Direct Connect is the carrier's core push-to-talk feature, designed for interoperability across Sprint and Nextel network platforms. Through the Group Connect feature, users can communicate with up to 20 other Sprint Direct Connect subscribers at once. TeamDC permits communication with up to 200 other Direct Connect users. Sprint plans to extend the Sprint Direct push-to-talk coverage area to match that of Sprint CDMA voice coverage in early 2012. New Direct Connect devices, including Kyocera DuraMax and DuraCore, will be offered in the fourth quarter.

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