When considering plant security and safety, communications is a key component. For safety and security teams, the ability to communicate instantly with one another -- or with a group -- not only saves time and money, it saves lives. Nextel offers a number of unique solutions to facilitate instant mobile communications that safety and security teams need to do their day-to-day jobs, as well as to respond to emergencies. Foremost is Direct Connect, a 2-way digital walkie-talkie feature that lets users' calls go through instantly without voice mail, phone tag, or time delays. Already built into every Nextel phone, Direct Connect lets users connect instantly with one colleague or up to 25 people at once with the push of a button. Safety and security team members who depend on timely, consistent communication, as well as manufacturing safety and security teams that may need backup communication to their private radio systems, may find this feature a perfect fit.

Direct Connect is a standard feature on all Nextel handsets and part of a 4-in-1 tool that also includes digital cellular, two-way text messaging, and wireless data capabilities. Unlike 2-way radios, it can operate beyond the manufacturer's facilities, can send and receive data (e.g. alerts, messages, work orders, etc.), and send and receive text messages. Also, cellular phones are smaller and easier to carry than bulky 2-way radios (Nextel also makes ruggedized phones to withstand hostile environments). Unlike private 2-ways, it is interoperable, so that outside personnel (e.g. HAZMAT, police, or fire) can also communicate with it. (Unit shown here has rugged design and construction, adhering to Military Standard 810 C/D/E for resistance to dust, shock and vibration; is GPS and Java enabled; has speakerphone and vibrate mode.)

Since the user can connect with up to 25 people at one time, Direct Connect allows safety and security teams essentially to hold remote meetings. During emergencies, cellular can get overloaded, but this is less likely to happen with Direct Connect, which runs on technology separate from Nextel's cellular network. Finally, since calls tend to be shorter, they reduce use of cellular, which is usually more expensive than Direct Connect.

Plant safety and security teams need an interoperable communication solution that enables them to talk to one another and with public safety agencies, like the local police and fire department, in times of emergencies. Typically, public safety agencies and manufacturers have different private radio systems, which operate on different frequencies and do not allow for intraparty communication. That can lead to an extremely dangerous predicament for everyone involved.

Nextel's Direct Connect feature, which connects users nationwide in less than one second, offers safety and security teams and first responders from multiple agencies and municipalities the ability to communicate at the touch of a button in times of crisis as well as for disaster preparedness.

Aside from emergencies, Direct Connect can be a staple of safety/security teams' daily routine and a valuable supplement to their private radio systems. In addition to providing connectivity across longer distances and between agencies, Direct Connect alleviates private radio traffic, allowing systems to remain available for the most critical communication needs.