KPN has launched the first cloud-based push to talk (PTT) service in Europe across 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi networks.
The service has been provided by Ericsson using Kodiak Networks’ PTT technology. It allows users to speak to a large number of people by pushing a button. The technology was first launched in the United States in 2012, before coming to Europe earlier this year.
KPN has launched the service as a standard PTT package with up to 15 contacts per PTT user in a single group, and as a “PTT Pro” service, which allows up to 1,300 contacts per PTT user across as many as 130 groups.
John van Vianen, Senior Executive Vice President Business Market at KPN, said: “We see a lot of potential for this service, particularly since it is cloud-based and managed by Ericsson. KPN Push-To-Talk contributes to increased efficiency and reduced risks in the workplace, particularly for employees who work alone in the field.
“Within a second, you can start a voice connection with a person or a whole group of people, anywhere in the Netherlands. And because you can view GPS and real-time presence and availability information for your contacts, you can also be sure that the people you are talking to are out of harm’s way in the case of an emergency.”
Jean-Claude Geha, Vice President and Head of Managed Services at Ericsson, added: “We have been working with KPN for nearly 100 years – constantly innovating and finding better ways of doing things – and so it’s very fitting that they have become our first cloud-based push-to-talk customer in Europe. By offering PTT as a cloud-based IT managed service, we are able to continually manage and update it on KPN’s behalf, without the need for costly network infrastructure modifications.”
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