"fastchat" from fastmobile - sorta new wireless tech.

[HoleshotHolset]

Info about fastchat's push-to-talk feature here.



View service plans here.



After you have seen the above websites - what do you think?



Is this a viable alternative to Nextel's direct connect? And more importantly... . is it compatible with Nextel's direct connect?



The reason I'm providing this information and asking these questions is that Nextel's days of being the sole carrier that offers digital walkie-talkie service are numbered. In fact - I have heard rumors that there is at least one BIG wireless telecom company offering digital walkie-talkie service in California.



The assumption is that fastmobile's "fastchat" is compatible with Nextel's direct connect..... and future BIG telecom's digital walkie-talkie functionality.



I already have T-Mobile... . and if I can add unlimited t-zones (T-Mobile's wireless GPRS service) for $9. 99/month... . and unlimited fastchat service for $9. 95/month... . I could in theory instantly communicate with anyone on earth that has similar capabilities... . without any limits on usage.



I'm not opposed to buying the Nokia 3650 - it should be lightyears beyond my current Sony/Ericsson T-300 (piece of junk!).



Comments, Queries, Suggestions, etc... ...



Matt

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Here's the email text I sent to fastmobile:

Dear Sirs:



It is a well known fact that Nextel's days of being the sole provider of widespread instant digital walkie-talkie communications are numbered.



Is your fastchat service compatible with current Nextel subscribers that use 'Direct Connect' - (both regional and nationwide) ?



This inquiry was prompted after reading about fastchat on your website and realizing the striking similarity to Nextel's 'Direct Connect'.



Any and all information you could provide would be most appreciated.

 

[TxDieselKid]

wow, $10? So long as they dont hike the plans it could be well worth it. Is it like a regular cell phone also?



Andrew

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Drew: You didn't visit the websites... . did you?!



It's an add-on service to your current GPRS compatible cell phone/service.



Matt

 

[TxDieselKid]

Originally posted by HoleshotHolset

Drew: You didn't visit the websites... . did you?!



It's an add-on service to your current GPRS compatible cell phone/service.



Matt

what are you talking about, i even watched the flash demo on it.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

The flash demo killed me - it was a conversation in slow-time... . not real time.



Nobody but Drew and I have anything to say about this - come on... . somebody must know something about this!



Matt

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Update....

I have yet to receive a response to my email... .



Matt

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Verizon is allegedly going to launch a Push-To-Talk that's better than Nextel. Read about how Verizon thinks that Nextel stole their ideas here.



BTW: I'm starting to think that fastmobile's fastchat will NOT work with Nextel. Here's why:



Nextel uses Motorola's proprietary iDEN - Integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network (fast for PTT - but outdated). fastmobile supposedly only works with GPRS, 2. 5G and 3G networks..... I have found zero information about interoperability with iDEN.



Matt