Nextel Launches Faster Wireless Access to Web Content and New Wireless Modem Device; Data Compression Solution Accelerates Industry's Largest, Nationwide 2.5 G Network

RESTON, Va., May 14, 2002 - Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) today launched a data compression solution greatly augmenting the speed at which mobile professionals can access Internet content, general office and enterprise applications, such as e-mail and order entry.




The new capability provides a two-to-five-fold speed increase (average speeds at 30Kbps and above average speeds reaching 75Kbps and higher) enabling PC laptop and PDA users quicker access to enterprise wireless applications.

Nextel today also introduced the iM1100 wireless modem. The Nextel wireless modem simply plugs into any Microsoft Windows-based laptop or PDA with a Type II PCMCIA card slot. The wireless modem supports both a direct connection to the Internet using Nextel's Packet Data Network, and dial-up access via a standard circuit data connection.

The iM1100 runs on its own battery, keeping customers connected longer without draining laptop power.

Combined, the new network enhancements, modem device and flat rate pricing for wireless-data usage underscore Nextel's commitment to providing the industry's best end-user experience.

Recently, industry analyst firm In-Stat/MDR reported that mobile Internet users continued to rank Nextel number one in customer satisfaction, a standing based on reliability of service, ease of use, breadth of available applications and quality of service. (See In-Stat/MDR press release dated May 7, 2002.)

"The iM1100 modem brings an exciting new data service option for customers to leverage the Nextel nationwide Packet Data Network, which delivers the industry's most extensive reach and completely mirrors our voice coverage," said Greg Santoro, vice president, Internet and Wireless Services at Nextel.

The iM1100 enables remote access to corporate intranets and back-office systems, such as sales force automation, order entry, inventory tracking and customer relationship management (CRM), supporting true workforce mobility.

For individuals and companies of all sizes, it can provide workers with e-mail access anytime they are out of the office, including at customer sites or while traveling on business.

The Nextel iM1100 modem--when paired with select rate plans--can optimize the new data compression capabilities now available in Nextel's Packet Data Network, providing a two-to-five-times performance increase in the end-user experience of Web browser-based applications and browser-accessed content.

Data Compression

To boost wireless data performance on its network, Nextel has installed Bytemobile's Macara(TM) platform, which is a wireless optimization service node (WOSN) that dynamically improves the delivery of IP-based data including web pages and email on wireless networks and significantly improves bandwidth utilization.

The WOSN includes advanced networking technology that improves security and scalability for data services. To leverage these new capabilities, Nextel customers only need Internet Explorer(TM) or Netscape(TM) loaded on a PC or PDA and either a Nextel handset or the iM1100 as a data modem device.

"By adding the Macara platform, Nextel has significantly enhanced its data services with faster access speeds over its existing network. This new capability strengthens Nextel's leadership position in wireless data and allows us to provide a better user experience for Nextel customers," said Santoro.

iM1100

The iM1100 is small, light and easy to store in a computer bag. It weighs 4.8 ounces including battery, has a black and silver body and is 5.3"x2.1"x.8".

Nextel leads all wireless carriers in North America in the adoption of wireless data services with 20 percent of its domestic customer base - or 2.0 million Nextel customers - using Nextel's nationwide IP data network.

The modem provides customers with instant access to business applications and services designed specifically for their industry, including content and commerce sites, search engines and portals.

Pricing

Nextel offers a $54.99 fixed rate plan called PacketStream Gold with no overage charges for unlimited support of Internet applications and email. The modem has a promotional price of $349.99 with a one-year service agreement.

About Nextel

Nextel Communications, 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. Nextel and Nextel Partners Inc., currently serve 197 of the top 200 U.S. markets.

Through recent market launches, Nextel and Nextel Partners service is available today in areas of the U.S. where approximately 230 million people live or work.

For more information about Nextel, please visit http://www.nextel.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. A number of the matters and subject areas discussed in this press release that are not historical or current facts deal with potential future circumstances and developments. The discussion of such matters and subject areas is qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally, and also may materially differ from Nextel's actual future experience involving any one or more of such matters and subject areas. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ from Nextel's current expectations regarding the relevant matter include the economic conditions in our targeted markets, performance of our technologies, competitive conditions, market acceptance of our services and those that are described from time to time in Nextel's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Nextel's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000. This press release speaks only as of its date, and Nextel disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

CONTACT:
Nextel Communications, Inc., Reston
Media:
Chris Grandis, 703/433-3625
or
Nextel Investors:
Paul Blalock, 703/433-4300

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