Nextel Expands Hispanic Initiative - Seven New Markets Targeted in Campaign; New ''Nextel. Ya.'' Spanish-language television advertisement to launch in 14 Markets

Business Wire, Jan 19, 2005

RESTON, Va. -- Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) today announced the further targeted expansion of the "Nextel. Ya." advertising campaign to the Hispanic communities in Orlando, Tampa, Boston, Philadelphia, Fresno, Sacramento and the Washington, D.C. area. The expansion includes a new Spanish-language television advertisement, which will air in these markets as well as Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Diego, New York, Dallas and Houston. The campaign also includes new print, outdoor and radio executions. Nextel will continue to build upon this initiative throughout 2005 and plans to provide wireless services to approximately 75 percent of the Hispanic population in the United States during the course of the year.

Launched in 2003 and created by Accentmarketing, Nextel's agency of record for Hispanic marketing, the "Nextel. Ya." campaign, equivalent to "Nextel. Done." has resonated well with Nextel's targeted Hispanic customers, the small and home office business owner. Spanish-speaking customers can conduct business in Spanish with bilingual sales staff at more than a third of Nextel's 700 Retail Stores or via a dedicated toll-free Spanish-speaking customer care line, and in March of this year, selected Nextel Retail Stores around the country will feature integrated Spanish sales stations designed specifically for Nextel's Hispanic customers.

"We have been pleased with the success of our Hispanic Initiative and with the 'Ya' campaign," said Miguel Avila, senior director, Nextel Hispanic Marketing. "Nextel continues to roll-out targeted Spanish advertising efforts in markets across the US because we believe the Hispanic population in them will place the same high value on instant communications that we've found that others do. Our customers view it as an integral part of everyday family, community and business life. Nextel understands that and is the only provider that can offer instant communications to meet that need."

Nationwide Direct Connect(SM) and International Direct Connect(SM)

Nationwide Direct Connect(SM) is the first and only coast-to-coast walkie-talkie service of its kind. As an integrated part of every Nextel cell phone from Motorola, the Direct Connect(R) feature has given customers the benefits of instant communication for over ten years. By pressing a single button on the side of a Nextel phone, users can now connect to anywhere from anywhere, in less than one second, for distances of thousands of miles. In 2004, the service expanded to International Direct Connect(SM), crossing the borders of the United States into Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Canada and providing even more coverage for a service that allows families and business travelers to stay in touch with other family members and colleagues.

Wireless Data Services

Nextel provides wireless data services to stay connected with clients, co-workers, friends and family. The capabilities include two-way messaging, text and numeric messaging, and AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) as well as Internet access and mobile e-mail.

Spanish language customers can sign up for Nextel service by calling 1-888-Nextel5, contacting their local Nextel representative, or visiting www.nextel.com/espanol or a Nextel retail location. Most Nextel Retail Stores and Authorized Dealers located in the Hispanic media markets currently have Spanish language Nextel representatives as well as products and services to better serve customers.

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 297 of the top 300 U.S. markets where approximately 260 million people live or work.