Audio Conference Bridge

We still call them phones, but they can do much more than let us talk. The current generation of wireless devices combines the conversational calling functions of a cellular phone with a pager's ability to send messages ---voice and text ---as well as the conferencing functions of two-way radio.

While containing a few potential drawbacks in ease of use, conference calling or perhaps even in terms of employee morale, the devices have some powerful pluses in convenience, flexibility and reach -- -in short, productivity. Atlanta's introduction to this particular breed comes courtesy of two companies.

Nextel Communications has launched the service in Boston and Chicago and plans to offer the phones in Atlanta by Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Southern Communications unit Southern LINC, which got started using the phones for its in-house utility workers, is already in the market.

Business customers targeted Both are targeting business customers, especially those with the need to connect dozens or even scores of workers in the field. And Nextel, which will focus first on courier or delivery companies, has hinted at long-term plans to broaden its reach to other businesses and even consumers. The equipment used by both Nextel and Southern LINC comes from Motorola.

Using a technology known as "iDEN" ---for integrated dispatch enhanced network ---the Motorola phones use a digital format meant to eliminate static and improve reliability. Folded into the phone are pager and radio functions that let a group of users connect at the same time in a conference call.

So how does it work? The phone is fairly straightforward, just a matter of punching a phone number and hitting "send" ---just like a cell phone. And while the phone's face offers a relatively simple format, the newcomer to wireless may need to keep the instructions ---or a human guide ---handy. You really will be thrilled with other services, but they are not always as easy for folks to comprehend. A button marked "mode" lets the user shift from phone to "group" phone function.

Two choices in one

The group function is meant for teams of employees who can be connected or messaged or called individually through audio conference bridge. A button marked "menu" takes the user through other variations. At each juncture, the user is offered two choices and can push one of two buttons at the top of the phone face to make a selection. It's easy to use. It just takes a little time to learn to use it. And it's true that once you start, some of the operation seems intuitive. But if you don't use it regularly, you may need a refresher course.

The message function can be used in two ways. You can call an 800 number and tell an operator what your message is and where it is going and the operator will send your words or numbers or a combination of words and numbers. Nextel also offers software that can be used to send messages from a desktop computer.