U.S. Cellular today 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.

Kyocera KX440 (KX444) View Specs

LG VX4700 (AX4750) More Photos View Specs

Press to talk has been around for several years, and today is most popular among contractors and delivery services," said Alan D. Ferber, U.S. Cellular vice president of marketing and sales operations. "Its greatest limitation has always been its lack of reliability everywhere mobile users go. But combining the latest technology with our extensive network gives SpeedTalk the potential to be a huge success with families - including teenagers."

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. New groups or contacts may be added either through the phone or via the internet at http://www.uscellular.com/speedtalk . Any changes will show up instantly on the phones.

U.S. Cellular SpeedTalk is offered on a Kyocera KX440 and LG AX4750 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.

For more information on SpeedTalk phones, plans and accessories visit the company's Web site at http://www.usccspeedtalk.com .