GSM operator MTC Namibia formally introduced push-to-talk (PTT) over cellular service in Namibia yesterday.
Albertus Aochamub, GM of corporate communications at MTC, says the commercial launch followed a successful trial conducted in December 2006 with the Namibian police.
The service functions like a two-way radio over the cellular network, using a mobile phone that is enabled with the relevant software.
"The trial period was important in order to resolve technical and commercial issues," notes Aochamub. "MTC has streamlined the service and we feel it is ready to launch."
The trial indicated the service's group talk functionality was popular with the police. It allowed individuals to collaborate with each other in real-time, explains Aochamub. This enabled the police to track stolen vehicles in a few hours, as opposed to a few weeks, he adds.
The difficulty with PTT was trying to convince potential users of the reliability of the service, Aochamub says. "Some of the potential market is sceptical of running the important service over a GSM network." He says MTC has a small margin of error should the network fail, which is worrying for some potential users.
Aochamub says 97% of Namibia and 85% of the highways and roads in the west African country are covered by the GSM signal. "This coverage is positive for a PTT service."
PTT is relevant for a range of industries, including safety and security, construction, leisure pursuits, teenagers and corporates, he explains.
Namibia is the second country in Africa to use the technology after Morocco.
Related story:
Namibian cops trial push-to-talk
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