RESTON, Va. and PLANTATION, Fla. – May 11, 2005 – Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: NXTL) and Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced the Motorola i355, an affordable rugged phone that delivers five distinct ways to stay connected.
In addition, the i355 handset meets U.S military specifications for resistance to dust, blowing rain and vibration and has a durable rubber overmold for protection against extreme conditions.The i355 is one of the first handsets to offer Nextel’s new Group ConnectSM feature. Group Connect allows users to instantly connect with up to 20 other Nextel users nationwide - and set it all up quickly and easily from their handset. With Group Connect, users can instantly communicate with an entire team with the push of a button.
In addition to Group Connect, i355 users can communicate through digital cellular phone service, Direct Connect, Direct TalkSM and Multimedia Messaging. • Nextel’s Direct Connect service is the nationwide and country-to-country instant walkie-talkie service that connects users in under a second. • Direct Talk allows users to stay connected even if they are outside of the Nextel network coverage area by allowing them to manually transform the phone into an off-network walkie-talkie with a range of up to six miles depending upon specific conditions, such as terrain.• Multimedia Messaging service allows users to send text, images and audio together from several locations on the handset, allowing for a high level of expression and personalization on the i355.
“Nextel is pleased to continue our commitment to businesses that require a rugged and reliable phone with the introduction of the i355,” said Blair Kutrow, Nextel’s vice president of Product Management. “Many industries, including public service, construction and transportation services, need the confidence that comes with multiple ways to keep groups connected. Outdoor enthusiasts who want a rugged phone with various ways to communicate will also appreciate this new addition to our portfolio.” “The Motorola i355 is designed to meet users’ instant communication needs wherever they may be,” said Peter Aloumanis, director, U.S.
Markets Division, Motorola’s iDEN® Subscriber Group. “The off-network walkie-talkie is an ideal back-up communications system for staying connected with confidence.”Packed with innovative, easy to use options, the i355 also offers GPS technology, a 65K vibrant color display, downloadable Java™ applications, voice recorder, speakerphone, voice-activated dialing and assignable ring tones. The i355 is available through all Nextel distribution channels, including retail stores, at a price of $99.99, with a two-year service agreement, new activation and credit approval.
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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 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 Nextel Partners
Nextel Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXTP), based in Kirkland, Wash., has exclusive rights to offer the same fully integrated, digital wireless communications services offered by Nextel Communications (Nextel) in mid-sized and rural markets in 31 states where approximately 54 million people reside.
Nextel Partners and Nextel together offer the largest guaranteed all-digital wireless network in the country serving 297 of the top 300 U.S. markets.
To learn more about Nextel Partners, visit www.nextelpartners.com .
About Motorola
Motorola is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. In your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between, seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need, anywhere, anytime. Seamless mobility harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication. Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004.
For more information: www.motorola.com .