Push-to-Talk: Nextel Is Still the One to Beat

Nextel (NXTL ) Communications is finally getting some respect. The wireless-phone carrier is known for its oddball technology, clunky handsets, and a heavily blue-collar customer base. But mostly it's known for its push-to-talk feature that allows its phones to be used as walkie-talkies. Suddenly, however, everyone wants a piece of the walkie-talkie action.

Verizon (VZ ) Wireless is the first competitor to take advantage of technological and regulatory changes that allow other carriers to imitate the Nextel service. In testing both, I found that Verizon's offering is nowhere near as good as Nextel's. But AT&T Wireless (AWE ) and Sprint PCS (PCS ) are readying their own versions, and my guess is that within a couple of years, good push-to-talk capability will be standard on many wireless phones.