US Cellular SpeedTalk

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U.S. Cellular introduced SpeedTalk, a service that enables cell phones to function as "walkie-talkies" between groups of two or up to 20 people simultaneously. SpeedTalk is U.S. Cellular's first "press-to-talk" product and operates over the company's highly regarded digital network.

SpeedTalk operates on U.S. Cellular's all-digital network, so it is extremely reliable, even in most buildings and homes. The higher call quality, smaller handsets and unlimited minutes provided by SpeedTalk now mean that press-to-talk functionality will go mainstream.

SpeedTalk uses a speakerphone but may be switched to the cell phone's earpiece or a hands-free attachment for greater privacy. By pushing a button on the outside of the phone, a list of individuals or group contacts appears on the screen. The caller then presses and holds the SpeedTalk button and, at the sound of a beep, may begin speaking to up to 20 people, anywhere in U.S. Cellular's 25-state network.

U.S. Cellular SpeedTalk is offered on a Kyocera model KX440 and an LG model UX4750 flip-phone. "These phones are lightweight -- about four ounces -- with many of the same features and functions as models that customers are already familiar with," Ferber said.

SpeedTalk is now available with plans starting at $49.95 for 1,000 anytime cellular minutes and unlimited SpeedTalk minutes. Current customers can switch to unlimited SpeedTalk plans without signing a new contract, and those on certain business plans can add unlimited SpeedTalk minutes to their existing plans for $10 per line.