Nextel Communications Named Official Wireless Service Provider of Democratic National Convention; Democrats Let Freedom Ring in Beantown Using Nextel Technology

Business Wire, July 1, 2004

BOSTON -- Paul Revere may not have had to ride all the way to Lexington if he had a Nextel phone. But conventioneers in Boston this July will not have the same problem. The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and Boston 2004, Inc., the host committee for the 2004 Democratic National Convention, today announced Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) as the Official Wireless Service Provider of the 2004 Democratic National Convention and host committee.

"Without question, this Convention will be the most technologically advanced in the history of the Democratic Party," said Rod O'Connor, CEO of the DNCC. "We're pleased to have the expertise and latest technology from Nextel as a critical part of our nominating celebration this summer."

"Boston has long been a center of technological innovation in wireless communication and networking services," said Julie Burns, executive director of Boston 2004, Inc. "Nextel has a long history of partnering with the city of Boston and as a strong supporter of Boston 2004, Inc., so this is a natural fit. Nextel will continue playing an integral role ensuring that this convention is a great success for our city."

As the Official Wireless Service Provider, Nextel has committed various communication products and services to the DNCC and to Boston 2004, including: wireless phones equipped with Nextel Direct Connect(R), the instant long-range digital walkie-talkie service; RIM BlackBerry(R) devices with Nextel cellular, Direct Connect, wireless Internet and email capabilities; and iM1100 PCMCIA wireless modem cards, which will allow a direct connection to the Internet (no ISP required) or dial-up access to a phone line. Convention organizers will have use of Nextel's wireless data network, cellular phone service and Direct Connect functionality, which will allow instant communication on-site, as well as with other Nextel users anywhere in the United States. Nextel will also offer on-site services and superior wireless coverage for delegates, the media, and others in attendance.

"Nextel is delighted to partner with the DNCC and Boston 2004, Inc. by providing state of the art communications in Boston this summer. Convention organizers and participants will communicate safely and reliably during the convention and the significant enhancements to our network will improve Nextel's service in greater Boston for years to come," said Bob Johnson, senior vice president of Field Operations for Nextel.

To ensure seamless communication among the various agencies involved in Convention planning and security, Nextel is working with organizers and public safety officials to meet their unique needs for wireless coverage, capacity and interoperability. Nextel has enhanced its entire Boston network to increase system coverage and capacity and boosted wireless coverage at the Fleet Center, Logan Airport, numerous hotels, and other key locations throughout the city.

Nextel will also deploy specialized vehicles for satellite cellular coverage in and around the Boston area to provide support and redundancy for everyday communications, as well as in the event of a communications emergency. The Nextel network is well prepared for the increased system demand expected from the 35,000 delegates, media, and visitors who will attend the convention.

About DNCC

The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) is the official organizing arm of the Democratic National Committee in charge of planning the party's convention every 4 years. From July 26-29, the Democratic Party will assemble in Boston, MA, for the 44th Democratic National Convention to present to the country the Democratic presidential and vice presidential nominees.

About Boston 2004

Boston 2004, Incorporated, is the single purpose, not-for-profit organizing entity for the convention.

About Nextel

Nextel Communications, a FORTUNE 200 company based in Reston, Va., is a leading provider of fully integrated wireless communications services and has built the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the country covering thousands of communities across the United States. Today 95 percent of FORTUNE 500(R) companies are Nextel customers. Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc. currently serve 296 of the top 300 U.S. markets where approximately 252 million people live or work.