A handheld device that provides communications between two or more parties using dedicated frequencies over short distances, typically less than a couple miles. Walkie-talkies have no dial-up procedure; they are always on and are activated instantly by pressing a button and talking (push-to-talk).
Long Distance Walkie-Talkie
Always-on communications are also provided by specialized mobile radio (SMR) services for police, taxis and other vehicles. Having acquired numerous SMR operators throughout the U.S., Nextel was noted for combining long distance walkie-talkie capability with its cellphone service. See
personal radio service,
SMR and
Nextel.