Can iDen phones be used without serivce?

[chris4404]

Hey Everyone,
I know this isn't necessarily an Android question but since iDen is on the way out can these devices be used without a service plan as walkie talkies? I thought I read somewhere certain models can be used as walkie talkies as long as they're within range of each other? Is this correct or is it just a myth?

 

[rawvega]

That information is correct. Nextel phones that support the Direct Talk feature (not all do) can be used as walkie talkies within a certain range (max: ~6-7 miles, probably more like 2-3 miles in real world usage) without having cellular service activated.

http://shop2.sprint.com/assets/pdfs/en/support/guides/services/walkie_talkie/direct_talk_qsg.pdf

Direct Talk Compatible Phones | Matt's Blog

 

[crump84]

That's interesting. My Blackberry isn't listed in the link but I wonder if it would work.

 

[kg4icg]

Direct talk phones are all Motorola's.

 

[MotoDroid]

dont know why they think this new Q"cutie" Chat is the answer....Just improve Nextel like Sprint should have been doin 5 or more years ago instead of forgetting about it.

 

[rawvega]

Well it has to be the answer for them because the dinosaur that is iDEN is mercifully being put out to pasture in the next few years.

 

[MotoDroid]

only time will tell, been tried with great failure before, then look at verizons answer for ptt(lol) junk and att had no luck at succeeding NEXTEL Direct Connect.