SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VOICE AND TEXT BASED SERVICE INTERWORKING

A method of communication includes receiving a request to initiate a push-to-talk/instant messaging exchange from a push-to-talk device. A determination is made in order to ascertain if an instant messaging device is available to partake in the push-to-talk/instant messaging exchange. If the instant messaging device is available, the push-to-talk device is notified that the push-to-talk/instant messaging exchange has begun. Voice packets are received from the push-to-talk device after a push to talk button is pressed and released. The voice packets from the push-to-talk device are converted to text packets. Then, the converted text packets are transmitted to the instant messaging device. The method further includes determining whether the push-to-talk device is blocked by the instant messaging device. If the push-to-talk device is not blocked, text packets are received from the instant messaging device and converted to voice packets. Further, the converted voice packets are transmitted to the push-to-talk device.