Nextel Cell Phones

Nextel were the first cell phones to offer the fastest way to connect to other wireless users.  The Nextel “push to talk” feature enables users to use walkie talkie functionality.  Nextel was founded as FleetCall 1987 and changed its name to Nextel Communications in 1993.  Nextel, the former wireless brand of Nextel Communications, operates on Motorola iDEN protocol that uses time division multiple access (TDMA) technology. Unlike other cellular operators, Nextel utilize the specialized mobile radio band (SMR) and was one of the first operators in the United States to offer a national digital cellular coverage footprint.

For some time, there were industry rumors that Nextel would be acquired.  On December 15, 2004 Sprint and NEXTEL announced they would merge to form Sprint Nextel Corporation.  Sprint and NEXTEL shareholders overwhelmingly approved the merger in July, 2005.  The merger was approved by the FCC and U.S. Department of Justice on August 3, 2005. Sprint Nextel was officially formed on August 12, 2005, when the deal was completed.  While billed as a merger of equals, the transaction was actually the purchase of NEXTEL Communications by Sprint Corporation.

Sprint Nextel currently offers cell phone service under its Sprint PCS and Nextel brands.  Since the merger, Sprint Nextel has begun to acquire former affiliates.  So far Sprint Nextel has acquired Gulf Coast Wireless, US Unwired, and IWO holdings.

The Nextel brand currently has over 16.1 million subscribers.  Many of those subscribers were concerned that they would be required to replace their handsets due to incompatibility between Sprint technology and Nextel technology.  Sprint Nextel has reassured those subscribers that they would continue to support both networks.  Dual-band phones are being researched to work on both networks simultaneously.

Nextel was the major title sponsor of NASCAR’s top racing series, called the NEXTEL Cup.  The series will be changed to the Sprint Cup by 2007.  As a result of that sponsorship, Nextel offered several models of NASCAR themed phones.

Sprint Nextel continues to offer the Direct Connect feature.  Nextel options include national and international walkie talkie, Nextel Nexmail (send a voice message to any e-mail address), and Nextel Direct Send (send or receive contact information instantly).  Nextel Group Walkie Talkie can instantly connect a group of up to twenty people nationwide.  Nextel Direct Talk SM Off-Network Walkie-Talkie is helpful in emergencies in remote locations where there is no network.  Nextel Direct Talk will allow you to communicate to others within a six mile range.

Sprint Nextel expects to absorb the Nextel brand by the end of 2010.