A new type of cell phone that can double up as a walkie-talkie goes on sale in Bermuda next week.

The push-to-talk service is being introduced to the Island for the first time by CellularOne and allows customers to combine a normal cell phone with the ability to speak to any number of people in a contact group at the push of a special button on the handset — just like a walkie-talkie.

To use the new push-to-talk (PTT) service will require buying a new cell phone equipped with the feature, which will cost $149, and paying a flat $25 a month fee for unlimited use of the walkie-talkie service.

Organisations that need to stay in touch with many people, such as hospitals, construction companies and alike, should benefit from having a facility that allows instant contact with multiple people without having to dial up individual numbers.

The PTT service also means phone customers do not use up their regular calling airtime minutes.

Explaining how the new service works Michael Leverock, CellularOne chief executive officer, said a customer would be able to create contact groups on their phone and then select which group to speak to at the touch of the PTT button. When used to contact a group all those included in that group will be able to hear the call.

It is also possible to use the PTT service for selected one-to-one conversations if required. And CellularOne says that unlike the sometimes sporadic coverage offered through two-way radio the new service will allow clear communication from one end of the Island to other as it is operated through the latest CDMA (code division multiple access) wireless network.

Although the system has been around for a couple of years in other countries, such as the US, this is the first widespread commercial use in Bermuda.

Mr. Leverock has been testing the new phones for the past few weeks and told the Royal Gazette: “I’d say it is a pretty handy service. What I like is that you can set up groups in a contact list and talk to as many people as you want to put into that group.”

When in the PTT mode the phone also indicates which of the group members is “online” and able to receive the call.

Multiple group lists can be set up on a single phone.

Because the service uses the new CDMA network cross-talk or “listening in” by others not in the group cannot occur.

“It has many advantages for business users or groups of people such as family members who need to stay connected with one another,” said Mr. Leverock.

“PTT users can share information and experiences instantly and at any time, whether they’re on the job or at the beach. The service also offers expanded range options compared to a conventional two-way radio, meaning that users can be on opposite ends of the Island and experience instant communication and excellent coverage.”

He said the use of the CDMA made the call quality “far superior” to two-way radios.

Arctic Climate Control has been testing the service. The company’s manager William Rowse said: “The group paging is really useful when our installation technicians need to locate a specialised tool for the work that they do, or when our service technicians need to determine part availability.

“It allows us to make fewer calls and save money since we are connected through the touch of a button. Whether we’re on a job site or at the office, it has been a big help.”