iDEN and Nextel
Integrated Digital Enhanced Network combined trunked radio push-to-talk with cellular telephony. Nextel's iDEN network became famous for its loud, distinctive walkie-talkie-style communication—connecting millions before being sunset in favor of Sprint's CDMA network.
Push-to-Talk Combined with Cell Phone
iDEN was revolutionary: it combined the instant push-to-talk (PTT) communication of trunked radio with the convenience of a cellular phone. Users could make regular phone calls or broadcast to groups with a single button press.
Technical Details
- Technology: TDMA with speech compression
- Channel Width: 25 kHz (combines 6 voice channels)
- Frequency: 800 MHz (SMR band)
- Dispatch: 6 users per channel
- Interconnect: 3 users per channel
The Nextel Experience
Nextel's iDEN phones had a distinctive loud speaker and the iconic walkie-talkie format. The chirp and broadcast-style "Nextel, Nextel" became synonymous with delivery drivers, contractors, and mobile professionals.
WiDEN: The Evolution
WiDEN was a software upgrade that bonded four 25 kHz channels for up to 100 kbps data. It was considered 2.5G but was abandoned when Sprint acquired Nextel and chose CDMA/LTE as the future.
Global Footprint
iDEN was deployed in the US (Nextel), Canada (Telus Mike), Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, India, and other countries. All networks have since been decommissioned in favor of LTE.