Between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, Nextel was perhaps the most innovative player in wireless communication. While competitors honed in on traditional cellular calls, Nextel did things differently. Teaming with Motorola, it pioneered technologies that redefined mobile communication for both businesses and everyday consumers. Today, Nextel may be gone, but its legacy lives on through new and improved technology in the push-to-talk (PTT) landscape. Let’s take a deeper look.

How Nextel Pioneered Push-to-Talk Communication With iDEN

In 1996, Nextel revolutionized when it launched its commercial network. Built on Motorola’s iDEN technology, it merged digital cellular service with two-way radio capabilities to create the iconic DirectConnect feature—instant communication at the press of a button. Where traditional cell calls were taking four seconds or more to connect, Nextel achieved connections in under one second. 

How DirectConnect Changed Fast Team Communication for Early Users

Replacing inefficient phone tagging, DirectConnect transformed real-time communication by providing the ability to converse in instant group calls with one click, with no need to rely on voicemails. Costly radio systems with limited range had become a thing of the past. What began as a specialized tool for fleet dispatch rapidly evolved into a cultural phenomenon, defining mobile communication in the early to mid-2000s. 

What Made iDEN Unique Compared to Other Networks of Its Time

At the time, standard cellular calls were burdened by delays, like dialing up and waiting for a ring. iDEN was built for business from day one. DirectConnect’s sub-second connection was too superior for industries to ignore. The ability to communicate with an entire "talk group" provided something that other networks couldn’t match.

What Caused the Decline of Nextel and the iDEN Push-to-Talk Network

Although it was initially considered a savant in instant communication, Nextel’s iDEN network was ultimately overpowered by the smartphone. A demand was formed for high-speed mobile internet beyond iDEN’s 14.4 Kbps. When 4G LTE became the industry standard, iDEN's fate was sealed.

Hardware Limitations and Slow Data Capabilities on Legacy Devices 

While Nextel’s iDEN technology was ideal for voice and push-to-talk communication, it struggled with data from the outset. Its speeds were slower than dial-up internet from the 90s. Standard iDEN data speeds peaked at approximately 14.4 Kbps. By comparison, the standard dial-up modems of the late 1990s reached 56 Kbps. With the rapid growth of smartphones and mobile internet, iDEN fell behind the speedier 3G networks, making Nextel’s formerly excellent communication system a disadvantage in the age of smartphones.

How Market Changes and the Sprint Merger Led to the Network Shutdown

Before they joined forces in 2005, Sprint and Nextel were the third and fifth-largest wireless providers, respectively. Described as “a merger of equals”, this powerful alliance set out to compete with giants like Verizon and Cingular. However, it didn’t take long for problems to arise.

The merger created an unsustainable position where two incompatible networks were draining resources simultaneously. Sprint's CDMA network and Nextel's iDEN system were incompatible, leading the company to operate parallel nationwide infrastructures. By 2008, the financial bleeding from this situation had become overwhelming. Then, as smartphones began to dominate and 4G LTE became essential, Sprint reclaimed Nextel's 800 MHz spectrum for competitive LTE deployment. On June 30, 2013, the iDEN network ceased, putting a full stop to Nextel's legacy. However, Sprint was given the airwaves it needed to survive.

How the Network Shutdown Unfolded

The shutdown was a multi-year countdown. In order to modernize its infrastructure and repurpose spectrum for 4G LTE, Sprint unveiled a $4–$5 billion "Network Vision" initiative. In December 2010, they announced plans to phase out iDEN technology in order to save around $10 billion in operating costs over the course of seven years. In May 2012, they set the date for the complete shutdown, June 30, 2013, allowing the remaining 5.4 million users just over a year to find a new device.

How Modern Push to Talk Over Cellular Evolved Beyond Nextel

Modern push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) is essentially the transformation of a specialized radio service into a high-speed tool that is more reliable, faster, and more accessible. Nextel’s closed single-carrier network is now a global, software-based service.

How LTE and WiFi Enabled Faster and More Secure PTT

Ultra-low latency is paramount. LTE and 5G networks reduce the delay between pushing the button and being heard to less than half a second, as LTE and 5G are designed for high-speed data. Also, military-grade encryption makes modern PTT harder to intercept by scrambling your voice data.

Industries That Continue to Rely on Dependable Push-to-Talk Communication

After its importance was recognized during World War II with the first walkie-talkies, PTT became a crucial aspect of public safety, with emergency services utilizing it for faster response times. It then quickly moved into other sectors. Today, everything from construction to transportation and logistics to hospitality and retail see PTT as absolutely essential for speed, efficiency, and safety.

Why Teams Are Adopting Modern Radios as the Next Evolution of Push to Talk

Modern handheld radios, like those from Atlantic Radio Corp, combine the best of both worlds: the intelligence of a smartphone combined with the instant speed of a walkie-talkie. Personal phones aren’t always allowed in the workplace, and even if they are permitted, they aren’t reliable and most likely not insured by the company.

Benefits of Today’s Professional Two-Way Radios for Field and Mobile Teams

• Durability: Smartphones can be fragile. Most professional two-way radios are IP54 and MIL-STD-810 G rated for dust, water, and shock resistance.
• Instant Nationwide Range: With the use of 4G/5G/LTE and Wi-Fi cellular networks, modern two-way radios offer nationwide range (sometimes global).
• Battery Life: Most two-way radios use lithium-ion batteries for extended operating time, often up to 21 hours.
• Powerful Audio: Loud and clear audio due to noise cancellation technology ensures effective communication in noisy environments.

What to Consider When Choosing Radios for Dependable Team Communication

First, think about how far your team needs to communicate. Traditional radios work well for nearby areas, while PoC radios use 4G/5G to cover larger distances. Next, weigh up costs. Traditional walkie-talkie systems can be expensive to maintain due to high licensing fees and coverage limitations. Push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) leverages cellular or Wi-Fi networks, reducing infrastructure costs while improving scalability and coverage. Lastly, remember that building reliable push-to-talk networks may require supplemental solutions such as Wi-Fi boosters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nextel Still Available Today?

The original Nextel iDEN network service is no longer available. After being completely shut down by Sprint, its specialized 800 MHz airwaves were repurposed for 4G LTE and 5G services. As of 2025, Nextel Mobile Worldwide is attempting to revive the brand as a modern push-to-talk over cellular (PoC), using other carriers' networks (currently AT&T).

Can Old Nextel Devices Work on Current Networks?

With the technology they were intended for being dismantled, Nextel devices are now functionally obsolete and won’t work on modern cellular networks. iDEN is fundamentally incompatible with the hardware in 4G LTE and 5G networks. Following the 2013 shutdown, the remaining major iDEN carriers, SouthernLinc, ceased operations in 2019.

What Is the Modern Alternative to DirectConnect?

DirectConnect was Nextel's trademark name for its iDEN push-to-talk service. In the modern PTT landscape, there's a technology difference: modern solutions use packet-switched networks instead of circuit-switched. This means slightly higher latency (a brief delay before connection) but with broader coverage.

Are Professional Radios Better Than Smartphone-Based PTT for Teams?

Dedicated radios (specifically Smart/PoC radios) are largely considered superior for professional teams. Smartphones are versatile but can create “failure points” in mission-critical scenarios, like app-switching delays, screen lock issues, and fragility. With their safety features, PoC radios are a much better option. Plus, you get near-enough the same level of instant connection.

Ready to Upgrade Your Team Communication With Modern Handheld Radios?

Today’s PTT technology would have had people in awe a decade ago. Thanks to modern solutions, you can now pair instant voice communication with GPS tracking and nationwide coverage. Visit Atlantic Radio Corp to find everything you need for your team’s safety, efficiency, and durability.

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