Nextel Launches Broadband Service Designed for Business Travelers

Nextel Launches Broadband Service Designed for Business Travelers

Nextel WiFi HotSpot(SM) Service Includes Access to Thousands of WiFi Hotspots Nationwide and Hotel In-room Connections Additional Coverage Beyond Hotspots also Available Anywhere on Nextel's iDEN Network through New im240 PC Card


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Reston, VA–(HISPANIC PR WIRE – BUSINESS WIRE)–May 13, 2005–Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) today announced the launch of the Nextel WiFi HotSpot(SM) service, delivering features focused on the remote-access needs of business travelers.

Nextel WiFi HotSpot service offers unlimited broadband Internet access for laptop computers for one flat monthly fee. The growing network of hotspots includes more than 7,000 hotspot locations throughout North America.

Key benefits of the Nextel WiFi HotSpot service include:

1. Access from inside hotel guest rooms, with either wired-Ethernet or WiFi connections

2. A unified software client that is easy to use and install

3. Access to a broad network of WiFi hotspots and wired-Ethernet connections

For customers who need coverage beyond current hotspots, Nextel offers Wireless PC Access, which is available with Nextel’s new im240 PC card. Wireless PC Access delivers improved data speeds over Nextel’s enhanced data network.

Through its strategic partnerships with Boingo Wireless and Wayport, Nextel WiFi HotSpot service offers unlimited access to WiFi hotspots at airports, hotels, convention centers, retail stores and other locations.

Nextel’s relationship with Wayport also provides Internet access in more than 150,000 guestrooms where Wayport wired-Ethernet connections are available. This access is included as part of the Nextel WiFi HotSpot service.

Nextel’s Connection Manager software client uniquely enables single-click access to both Nextel WiFi HotSpot service and Wireless PC Access. When a WiFi signal is unavailable, the Nextel Connection Manager can automatically connect to Nextel’s data network.

“Nextel’s WiFi HotSpot service and Wireless PC Access allow business travelers to bring their office with them wherever they go. These competitive and differentiated services combine unlimited use, predictable costs and the nationwide reach of Nextel – addressing the key concerns of individual customers as well as IT managers,” said Greg Santoro, vice president, products and services, Nextel.

Unlimited Nextel WiFi HotSpot service is available for $39.99 per month, and the first month is at no charge. Wireless PC Access can be added to Nextel WiFi HotSpot service for a total promotional rate of $54.99 per month. For more information, visit http://www.nextel.com or call 800-NEXTEL9.

About Nextel Communications

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 262 million people live or work.

About Boingo Wireless

Boingo Wireless, Inc. is an ultra-high-speed wireless Internet service available in thousands of locations such as hotels, airports, cafes, and other public places, in dozens of countries throughout the world. Both directly and through major carrier and ISP partners, Boingo provides business travelers with a wireless broadband Internet connection to improve productivity while on the road. Through its Wi-Fi software and Roaming System, Boingo makes finding and connecting to Wi-Fi networks point-and-click simple and secure. More information about Boingo is available at http://www.boingo.com.

About Wayport

Wayport is the nation’s largest provider of high-speed Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) wireless and wired Internet access for mobile broadband customers in more than 9,000 locations, including nearly 800 major hotels; Wi-Fi wireless Internet access in 6 major airports; 16 Laptop Lane airport business centers; McDonald’s and Hertz locations; and other retail brands nationwide. To learn more, please visit http://www.wayport.net or to see locations nationwide, visit http://www.wayport.net/locations.

–30–SF/ph*

CONTACT:

Nextel Communications Inc., Reston

Media: Aaron Radelet, 703-433-8246

Investor: Paul Blalock, 703-433-4300

Nextel Launches Broadband Service Designed for Business Travelers