Nextel Partners Launches Four-in-One Wireless Service in Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City

Business Wire, Dec 6, 2000

Business Editors/Technology Writers

KINGSPORT, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 2000

Businesses Benefit From Integrated Digital Cellular,

Wireless Internet, Two-way Radio and Paging Features in One Phone

Local businesses interested in increasing productivity and maximizing resources can access the first "four-in-one" digital wireless service available in the Tri-Cities from Nextel Partners (Nasdaq:NXTP).

The service combines digital cellular, Nextel Direct Connect(R) digital two-way radio, wireless Internet and text/numeric paging all in one compact phone. Nextel Partners customers can seamlessly access these services on Nextel's or Nextel Partners' all-digital wireless network, which includes 178 of the top 200 U.S. markets.

Nextel Partners today officially launched its all-digital wireless network with service in the Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City areas, as well as the frequently traveled corridors of Interstate 81 from Abingdon, Va. to Bristol and southwest to Knoxville; Interstate 181 from Kingsport to Johnson City; Highway 11W from Bristol to Kingsport; Highway 19W from Bristol to Johnson City; and Highway 11E from Johnson City to Greeneville.

The launch expands Nextel's and Nextel Partners' regional coverage, which already includes Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis and Knoxville, Tenn., Louisville and Lexington, Ky., and Atlanta, Ga.

Nextel Partners' integrated wireless service allows users the ability to instantaneously communicate with one or up to 100 co-workers in the area at the touch of a button and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional cellular phone call. Through Nextel Direct Connect(R), a Nextel Partners customer in Abingdon and Bristol, Va., for example, can press one button and talk instantly with co-workers on the same fleet anywhere on the Nextel network in Tennessee -- including Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, Greeneville, Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga and Memphis -- pay no long-distance charges, avoid the hassles of voicemail, and talk with multiple contacts simultaneously.

Responding to business demand for mobile access to the Internet, Nextel Partners also offers wireless Internet service through Nextel Online(sm), providing customers with easy-to-use tools to access critical information online. Customers can trade investments, respond to time-sensitive email, receive up-to-the-minute breaking news, plan a business trip, shop for last-minute gifts, and more.

In conjunction with the Tri-Cities launch, Nextel Partners is donating 15 phones and free local service for a year to three area school districts, a total value of over $22,000. The phones -- particularly the two-way radio feature -- will help increase the safety of students, teachers and administrators on campus, and at events, by providing users instant access to school staff or local officials in case of an emergency.

"The goal of the partnership is to increase the safety of students, teachers and administrators by providing users instant access to other school staff or emergency services in case of emergencies," said Nextel Partners' General Manager, Joe Russell. "Nextel technology is a great tool to help improve overall communication and safety, such as when staff and students are away from campus on field trips or at off-site sporting events."

Nextel Partners will officially present the donation to the partnering schools on Wednesday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. during an assembly at Sullivan Central High School located at 131 Shipley Ferry Road in Blountville, Tenn.

Russell is responsible for managing the development of Nextel Partners' local wireless coverage network and launching the company's service in Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City. Prior to joining Nextel Partners, Russell served as Direct Sales Manager at ALLTEL for the top-ranked Mid-Atlantic region. During his time at ALLTEL, Russell received the President's Circle award for six consecutive years honoring the company's top performers in North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic region.

"Nextel service will offer strategic capabilities to this region," Russell said. "On a nationwide basis, no other carrier can eliminate the need for multiple communications devices with one simple and affordable solution. Nextel is ideal for businesses that need instant access to co-workers, suppliers and business associates, as well as the quality and security of digital service."

Nextel Partners also brings to the region the Nextel Business Networks(sm) program, which connects members for instant updates on the status of projects, whereabouts of associates or supplies, and more -- all at the touch of a button. Covering several industries, including building, construction, insurance, manufacturing, government and transportation, the network saves businesses time and money by providing a critical communication link to key suppliers and partners.

Nextel Partners' local headquarters is located at 10368 Wallace Alley Street, Suite 1 in Kingsport. The company expects to employ 12 people at its Kingsport office by launch date.