Hi this is Jasmine from Boost! In response to the original question push to talk (PTT) is still currently available on all iDEN handsets, including the i856. Just look on the left side of your phone for the large silver button with a red line, that's your walkie-talkie button. However depending on which plan you have it may or may not be included. It is included in our $50 Monthly Unlimited plan, but it costs a $1 a day for Pay As You Go and Chat plans for unlimited usage per day. Hope that helps! Happy chirping!

Originally Posted by khudzul

Are you talking about the chirp on boost mobile or am i missing something. If chirp is not working i would call Boost customer service.

Direct Talk or Moto Talk is a feature on older motorola iDEN phones that allows you to use the walkie talkie WITHOUT having network connection. In other words, when you have no signal you can use your phone as a walkie talkie up to 4-6miles (terrain permitting). This feature is free for Nextel users, but disabled for Boost.

Direct Connect is the feature often referred to as a "chirp" that uses the iDEN network to directly communicate a la walkie talkie style. you can only use Direct Connect when you have a cell signal, and you have to be paying for service to use it.

To my knowledge, this feature is no longer on any new Boost iDEN phones. But i do believe newer phones just need to be unlocked/hacked to allow Direct Talk/ Moto Talk. I have seen used Boost i425 for sale on ebay that have been unlocked and can use this feature.

It's pretty nice if you just need walkie talkie. The best part about the feature was that you could have no coverage and still use it. In other words, you could stop paying for your Nextel service and still be able to use this walkie talkie feature.

Are you talking about the chirp on boost mobile or am i missing something. If chirp is not working i would call Boost customer service.

Direct Talk (or Moto Talk) is not supported by Boost.

Boost phones have the hardware capabilities for this feature just like any other Nextel phone, which means if you can hack the software, you can in theory have direct talk. im not sure if any hack exists, ive never heard of anyone even attempting to get this feature on Boost...

Now i been a nextel user for a while and i love the direct talk, but when i got on boost instead, i really miss using the direct talk but I856 for nextel has direct talk, wish the boost version did.

I know this is my first day here but does anyone have any input? I highly doubt that feature could be uploaded into the boost phone for use, I wish, really like it and miss it, beats using my Motorola Astro Saber if i can get everyone thats on the direct talk group