Movistar Launches GSM Push-To-Talk Service In Argentina

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- Cellular provider Movistar has launched a new push-to-talk service in Argentina using its GSM network, becoming the second wireless operator in the country to enter the market.

Movistar, which belongs to Spain's Telefonica Moviles, said in a press statement issued Monday that the push-to-talk service is aimed toward corporate clients. The company was formed from Telefonica's acquisition of BellSouth Corp's Latin American assets. Movicom, BellSouth's former wireless unit in Argentina, had offered push-to-talk service, but using CDMA technology. America Movil, which operates CTI Movil in Argentina, launched its own service regionwide in late 2004.

It wasn't clear from Movistar's statement whether push-to-talk service would be offered in other countries besides Argentina. A company spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.

Movistar and CTI Movil's entrance into the push-to-talk market underscores wireless companies' aggressive efforts to capture clientele in other segments and draw users away from companies such as Nextel, which was the first operator to offer push-to-talk service in Argentina.

-By Wailin Wong, Dow Jones Newswires; 5411-4311-3125; wailin.wong@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires"

Posted to the site on 14th November 2005