Sprint Nextel to Keep Push-to-Talk Network

Sprint Nextel yesterday appeared to call a halt to plans to sell its iDen push-to-talk network, saying it intends to refocus on the technology it inherited with the company's acquisition of the carrier. In a statement, Sprint chief executive Dan Hesse said that after careful review of the business, the company has decided to renew its commitment to the technology that is popular among cab drivers and other business users for its walkie talkie capabilities. Analysts said the announcement illustrates the difficulty firms face with mergers and divestitures as credit dries up in the economic crisis. They read the statement as a decision to stop Sprint's divestment efforts.