RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 2005--Nextel Communications
Inc.
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
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 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
www.wayport.net or to see locations nationwide, visit
www.wayport.net/locations.
CONTACT: Nextel Communications Inc., Reston
Media: Aaron Radelet, 703-433-8246
Investor: Paul Blalock, 703-433-4300
SOURCE: Nextel Communications Inc.