AT&T expands push-to-talk capabilities

New dispatch features enable workforce management functionality as part of Enhanced PTT, the company's push-to-talk solution. The features allow businesses to map the locations of company-issued Enhanced PTT devices on desktop software in near-real time, monitor push-to-talk activity and record conversations of employees using company-issued Enhanced PTT devices.

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November 14, 2013

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DALLAS — AT&T will add dispatch features that enable workforce management functionality as part of AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk (Enhanced PTT), its push-to-talk solution.

The new workforce management functionality allows businesses to map the location of company-issued Enhanced PTT devices on desktop software in near-real time, as well as monitor push-to-talk activity and record conversations of employees using company-issued Enhanced PTT devices. These features can help dispatch supervisors better manage their teams online, AT&T officials said.

Other new AT&T Enhanced PTT features available for Android devices include:

•   the ability to read missed call alerts and personal notifications, and return Enhanced PTT calls without unlocking the screen.
•   the option to set a “home” talk group to hear only the calls on that group by default.
•   support for Enhanced PTT on non-cellular and Wi-Fi-only devices in addition to existing smartphones.

AT&T also provides the ability for Enhanced PTT to interoperate with traditional two-way radios or other push-to-talk systems. This allows companies to link multiple PTT networks for voice communications and easily integrate with older systems.

One recent example of an AT&T Enhanced PTT customer is Boerne Independent School District (ISD), based outside of San Antonio, Texas, and comprising 12 schools and more than 7,000 students. District administrators and bus drivers use AT&T Enhanced PTT to efficiently communicate with each other and external departments — including the police department — in the event of a crisis, disaster or emergency.

“Boerne ISD is one of the first districts in the state of Texas to be able to communicate via Enhanced PTT with the local police department,” said Craig Radtke, director of personnel and legal affairs, Boerne ISD. “Communication is critical in the event of an emergency, and AT&T understands the importance of an efficient and reliable communication system in an education setting.”

Beginning in mid-November, AT&T will embark on a 10-city roadshow tour to demo the new dispatch capability and other AT&T Enhanced PTT features. For more details, click here.

Topics:Management

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