What is iDEN technology?

Integrated Digital Enhanced Network. iDEN consolidates multiple communication devices into one. iDEN handsets have everything you need to make your business or personal life easier by offering fast, flexible and cost-effective communications.
What is iDEN technology?

iDEN stands for integrated Digital Enhanced Network:

Five integrated services in one single device give users more choices on how to communicate.
All digital technology provides a solid network platform for ongoing system enhancements, so users always have the benefit of the newest technology.
By having access to an enhanced multi-site network, users have wider area coverage where they do business.
A true wireless network approach provides two-way radio customers with many advantages not found on older Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) systems.
iDEN handsets streamline communications by providing a five-in-one solution that combines the capabilities of:

a digital wireless telephone,
nationwide and international two-way radio,
packet data for Internet access,
two-way e-mail and text messaging, and
wireless modem capabilities.
How does the technology work?

iDEN technology utilizes highly spectrum-efficient radio transceivers to digitize and process high volumes of voice and data through a single channel. It is based on trunking systems and uses TDMA (time division multiple access) technology for multiple access. In addition, iDEN technology uses packet data, allowing for fast transmission of information, maximizing channel capacity and maintaining a constant Internet connection. For users, this translates to high voice quality, low latency, dependable communications and literally instant access.

Evolution of iDEN Handsets

Motorola pioneered the use of push-to-talk (PTT) two-way radio communications. iDEN handsets began as large but durable handsets designed for business users in heavy-duty industries such as construction and transportation, who relied on the iDEN technology' s signature two-way radio to get their business done, and who needed rugged handsets to withstand extreme environments. Today, they have decreased in size, offering competitive features such as integrated MP3 audio players and cameras, while still offering the two-way radio feature iDEN users have come to depend on, and the durability to withstand heavy use. With sleeker designs and more stylish options, as well as business applications that make them more mobile office than simple cell phone, there is an iDEN handset for every kind of end user, from construction workers to outside sales to executive board rooms to consumers.

How do users benefit?

Multiple wireless services in one handset help provide mobile workers with fast, flexible and cost-effective communication capabilities that can help increase productivity, improve efficiency and minimize costs by allowing them to carry a single device. The two-way radio service allows users to easily and instantly communicate with one or many people at the push of a button. International Push-To-Talk is available in the Americas between iDEN users in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, and Argentina. Cross-border PTT is also available between users in Israel and Jordan.

How do service providers benefit?

Maintaining and growing today's core customer base is critical to carriers' business success. The iDEN system allows carriers to do this and helps provide competitive advantages over other communications solutions by attracting high revenue-generating customers and potentially reducing churn through increased customer value. The phones' Java™ technology capabilities give network operators the opportunity to offer new applications to customers, serve vertical segments, and help provide potential new revenue sources to developers.

iDEN Around the World

Motorola licenses iDEN technology in the United States to Sprint Nextel and other carriers, including Nextel Partners, Southern LINC, Boost Mobile and Extend America. iDEN is also enjoying significant expansion throughout Latin America, Canada, Asia, and parts of the Middle East through international service providers such as NII Holdings, KTPowertel and Telus. In 2006, NII Holdings, Inc. achieved a milestone by surpassing 3 million iDEN subscribers in Latin America. As proof of their continued commitment to the technology, the company signed a contract extension with Motorola for both iDEN devices and infrastructure through year-end 2011. As customers around the world are discovering the power of push-to-talk, the future of iDEN globally looks extremely bright

iDEN Handset Features

Communication Modes1:

Digital wireless telephone
Nationwide and international PTT digital two-way radio
Packet data for Internet access
Two-way e-mail and text messaging
Wireless modem capabilities
MotoTalk™ a digital walkie-talkie feature that provides point-to-point communication between devices for up to 7 miles when there is no network coverage available
Advanced Push-To Features1:

Original Push-to-Talk digital two-way radio
Push-To-Send Contacts, for sharing contact information via PTT
Push-To-Send My Info, for sharing data stored in "My Info" via PTT
Push-To-View, for sharing images via PTT
Push-To-Smart Replies, for sending short preset or custom text messages via PTT
Push-To-Meet, for sending datebook events via PTT
Advanced Technologies:

GPS (Global Positioning System) technology for navigational capabilities1
Java™ technology, which allows users to download applications to meet their business and personal needs, and which allows the millions of Java developers worldwide to create applications for the handsets
Bluetooth® wireless technology2
Selective Dynamic Group Call, which allows users to set up call groups and communicate with up to 20 individuals at the touch of a button1
Microsoft® Windows Mobile™ operating system (on select models)
International roaming1
Multimedia Capabilities:

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)1
Downloadable and assignable ring tones1
MP3 audio player
1.3 and 2.0 megapixel integrated cameras
Video capture and playback
Removable memory card (included)
Standard Features:

Integrated speakerphone: for hands-free operation or impromptu conference calls
Voice Notes: for recording personal messages and incoming calls
Voice recognition
VibraCall® alert
Airplane mode (turns transmitters off/on)
Physical Features:

Internal and external high-resolution color displays
Picture caller ID
AgION® antimicrobial coating (on select styles only)3
Quick flip button (on select flip-style phones only)
SIM card operation