Nextel PTT is Going Nationwide

RESTON, Va. -- Demonstrating its leadership in push-to-talk technology, Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) today announced the availability of the first phase of its Nationwide Direct Connect(TM) service in a number of major markets. This innovation, the first of its kind to be available on any wireless network, allows Nextel customers to travel with Direct Connect(TM), giving them the ability to use the long-range digital walkie-talkie feature in the area to which they have traveled. Now available in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, Phase One of the Nationwide Direct Connect rollout offers business travelers an added convenience when they leave their home market. Nextel users traveling between any of the hundreds of cities within these markets will be able to communicate instantly using Direct Connect with people who reside in the market to which they have traveled. Additionally, Nextel subscribers will be able to use the Direct Connect feature with other Nextel subscribers who have traveled with them. "Nationwide Direct Connect is revolutionizing the way people communicate. It's instant and it's truly long-range," said Barry West, executive vice president and chief technology officer at Nextel. "Phase One essentially gives you local Direct Connect capability wherever you travel. Currently this is available in about half of Nextel's Direct Connect service areas, and all Nextel markets will be provisioned for this by the second quarter of this year." Phase Two of the Nationwide Direct Connect rollout will be available by the third quarter of this year. At that time, Nextel customers will be able to use the Direct Connect feature to instantly connect with anyone on Nextel's national network, regardless of the sender's or receiver's location. Nextel Communications Inc.