TALLAHASSEE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2003--Coordinators of one of the largest events kicking off the new year -- the Governor's inauguration -- are receiving a valuable donation from wireless services provider Nextel Partners (Nasdaq:NXTP) to help ensure flawless festivities.

The donation, valued at $7,500, includes 100 wireless phones and local service provided by Nextel Partners to help enhance security efforts and event logistics during Florida Governor Jeb Bush's inauguration Tues., Jan. 7 in Tallahassee.

"Nextel's donation will give us added capabilities and reliability as we handle the coordination needs of hundreds of security officials and event staff. The phone's long-range walkie-talkie enables instant communication with multiple agencies at once, critical as we work to ensure the safety of event participants -- our top priority," said Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Chief Kent McGregor. FDLE coordinates event security in which more than 20 state and local agencies participate.

Included in the donation are Nextel phones -- known for their integrated "four-in-one" service that includes a long-range walkie-talkie feature -- as well as accessories, technical support, local and national service, and training.

Phones will be used by inauguration staff, event organizers, and local and state public safety officials to enhance security and overall event coordination. The event is expected to draw more than 20,000 people, including community, government and business leaders, and local residents.

"We've seen the value instant connectivity offers public safety officials through our partnerships with area law enforcement groups," said Nextel Partners General Manager Jim Wright. "We're proud to add the Governor's inauguration event to our ongoing community involvement program."

Nextel Partners, which offers the only national "four-in-one" wireless service in Tallahassee, has a history of donating wireless phones and service to local community organizations including the March of Dimes, FDLE, Annual Red Hills Horse Trials, and Leon County Schools. The company has local offices in Tallahassee, Pensacola and Panama City Beach, and employs 360 people statewide.

Nextel Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq:NXTP), based in Kirkland, Wash., has the exclusive right to provide digital wireless communications services using the Nextel brand name in 31 states where approximately 52 million people reside. Nextel Partners offers its customers the same fully integrated, digital wireless communications services available from Nextel including digital cellular, text and numeric messaging, wireless Internet access and Nextel Direct Connect(R) digital walkie-talkie, all in a single wireless phone. Nextel Partners customers can seamlessly access these services anywhere on Nextel's or Nextel Partners' all-digital wireless network, which currently covers 197 of the top 200 U.S. markets. To learn more about Nextel Partners, visit www.nextelpartners.com.

Nextel, the Nextel logo, and Nextel Direct Connect are trademarks and/or service marks of Nextel Communications, Inc.