New Inherently Safe Push-to-Talk Device from Sprint

Sprint Nextel Corporation is a U.S. based company that operates multiple wireline and wireless networks. In 2005, Sprint Corporation merged with Nextel Communications to become Sprint Nextel Corp, and currently, they are the third largest long distance provider in the U.S.

Meanwhile, Sonim Technologies is an American company headquartered in San Mateo, CA. The company manufacturers rugged cell phones, as well as provides Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications and hosted services.

Earlier today, Sprint revealed that it has included an addition to its push-to-talk family – the Sonim XP STRIKE IS. Sprint describes the device as an “intrinsically-safe push-to-talk device.” The Sonim XP STRIKE IS is made especially and exclusively for Sprint.

According to Sonim, the XP STRIKE IS has been created to provide enterprises with a reliable, ultra-rugged solution, as well as keep their workforces safe and productive. The XP STRIKE IS was designed to survive conditions that no other device can, as it reportedly goes beyond MIL spec standard. Supposedly, the device can be dropped from any angle from as high as 6.5 feet. If that is not rugged enough, how about being able to submerge it into 6.5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. If you accidently drop it, you do not have to worry – a forklift can drive over it without damaging it. Additionally, the display is protected by a 1.5 mm thick Corning Gorilla Glass, giving it the highest levels of scratch and shock resistance.

You think this sounds impressive? It is; however, there is more. What really makes this device stand out is that the XP STRIKE IS is incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy to ignite fuel and cause a fire or explosion. Because of this, it also makes the device safe to use in areas that contain flammable gasses, vapors or dust. This makes it an extremely useful device for workers in petrochemical, utility, construction and other related industries.

David Owens, vice president of product development at Sprint, explained, “Customers who demand a device to get the job done in the toughest environments can bet on Sprint Direct Connect and XP STRIKE IS. It’s rugged and ready with proven resilience, and it’s safe in conditions where safety is an absolute necessity.”

Sprint has offered push-to-talk technology for a very long time. Everyone is familiar with the beeping sounds that the push-to-talk devices make, and you all know when someone around you is using one. Always pushing ahead, Sprint added even more push-to-talk coverage area in 2012. Last year, the company created nearly three times the push-to-talk coverage of its Nextel National Network with the addition of roaming and Sprint 1xRTT coverage areas.

1xRTT is a data transmission system used on CDMA networks, allowing for connection speeds of up to a theoretical limit of 144kbps. Real world usage is typically much slower, though, coming in at somewhere around 80kbps. 1xRTT is often referred to as a 2.5G technology like GPRS. Officially, it is a 3G technology.

Sprint’s nationwide network upgrade strategy is called Network Vision. The goal is to upgrade using the newest, most advanced equipment in the industry. Sprint plans to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network. Network Vision is designed to bring 4G LTE and improved 3G service to customers nationwide, with the benefits including better coverage, improved network reliability and voice quality.

The Sonim XP STRIKE IS is currently available – before taxes, the selling price is $599.99, with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement through direct ship sales channels.