Bell intros HSPA+ push-to-talk, Sonim XP5520 Bolt
updated 10:55 am EDT, Tue April 24, 2012
Bell launches PTT service on three handsets
Canadian provider Bell on Tuesday introduced its Push-to-Talk service, based on the provider's 4G-branded service that offers HSPA+ download speeds of up to 21Mbps. It also launched a new rugged handset that can take advantage of it with the Sonim XP5520 Bolt. Bell's Samsung Galaxy S II 4G and BlackBerry Curve 9360 can also take advantage of the network and PTT service.
The Sonim phone is said to share the same platform that is named as the toughest phone in the Guinness World Record book. It can be submerged in up to six feet of water, can shrug off six-foot drops onto concrete, and is resistant to temperature extremes. It goes beyond MIL-Spec standards from the US military, and its screen is covered by Corning Gorilla Glass.
Its battery life is rated at 12 hours, and the microphone sports active noise cancellation. A 23mm speaker is protected by a GORE Protective Vent. Navigation is provided by TeleNav, while an LED flash for the two-megapixel camera doubles as a flashlight.
The cross-Canada PTT service will cost $30CAD (about $30) per month, though existing customers with a compatible phone can add it for $15 per month. The Sonim XP5520 BOLT is only available at Bell in Canada, priced at $100CAD ($101) on a three-year contract or $400CAD ($404) contract-free.
