Nextel Expands Wireless Coverage in North Central Minnesota; Digital Walkie-Talkie and Wireless Phone Service Now Available in Aitkin, Cass and Crowing Counties

Business Wire, Jan 31, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) announced today it has expanded its wireless network to bring Nextel's popular and award-winning four-in-one wireless services to North Central Minnesota. Nextel customers now can take advantage of Nextel's Direct Connect(R) digital walkie-talkie service, and wireless data services, including text messaging, mobile email and the wireless Web, along with traditional digital cellular service while traveling throughout the Brainerd to Walker Lakes recreation areas of North Central Minnesota.

"We are very excited to expand our service offerings throughout Minnesota, including Brainerd, Gull and Leech lake areas," commented Vito Centofanti, Nextel's district sales manager for Minnesota. "Based on customer and local resident feedback, we know this will be a valuable addition to our coverage network. We realize there is a sizeable opportunity to provide a significant value to Minnesotans, and look forward to providing an unmatched wireless service for our business and individual customers. Nextel's Direct Connect service, which is part of every phone we sell, provides a unique form of communication, an instant walkie-talkie service that works nationwide and internationally. Add in our standard cellular capabilities and wireless data services, and you have an extremely powerful communications tool."

Nextel has been offering wireless services in Minnesota for more than seven years, and has continued to expand its network within the state based on customer needs. Nextel currently has sales offices in Edina and more than 90 retail and authorized representative locations throughout the state. In addition to the expanded Minnesota coverage, Nextel recently announced availability of the i860 camera phone and the BlackBerry 7520(TM) Wireless Handheld combining Bluetooth, speakerphone and color screen.

"Nextel focuses on offering products that help our customers build their businesses and provide a return on their investments and a great value for their wireless dollar," continued Centofanti. "Through a focus on customer needs, whether it be transportation, general business, enterprise, government, or individual users, Nextel has built a robust offering of wireless phones, features, services and data applications that support our customers' need to be productive during the week and on the weekends."

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.