Nextel Communications and Nextel Partners Continue to Be a State of Fl

Nextel Communications and Nextel Partners Continue to Be a State of Florida Approved Wireless Vendor

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

    MAITLAND, Fla. & PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2005--

    Nextel Continues To Provide Flexibility, Continuity And Integrated Communications To Best Meet Florida's Wireless Communication Needs

    Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL), the leading provider of digital wireless communications, today announced they have finalized a Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) Participating Addendum to provide discounted products and services to approved state and local agencies. Nextel Partners Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTP), an affiliate of Nextel, will provide the same fully integrated, digital wireless communications products and services in its markets throughout the state.
    The agreement allows all state and local governmental entities within the state of Florida to purchase from the WSCA Master Price Agreement, which provide significant discounts on rate plans, phones and phone accessories.
    Entities eligible for these discounts include, but not limited to, all state agencies, local municipalities, educational institutions (both K-12 and higher education), as well as qualifying healthcare and utilities. Public safety and government officials already use Nextel throughout the country and benefit from its highly secure, Direct Connect (R) digital walkie-talkie service.
    "Nextel products and services are ideal for handling the needs of the agencies and organizations serving residents throughout Florida. With the interoperable capability of our phones, each agency has the ability to connect with one another through reliable and secure communications, regardless of jurisdiction or department," said Frank Boyle, Florida area vice president for Nextel. "And nothing compares with the instant communications capability of the Nextel Direct Connect walkie-talkie feature, which lets people communicate with one person or an entire team of up to 100 people at the touch of a button."
    Additional features incorporated into the phones provide added value and include Wireless Priority Service - which provides authorized federal, state and local government leaders and critical private sector leaders and decision makers with priority wireless service during times of emergency and Priority Connect(SM) service to users of Nextel Direct Connect walkie-talkie service - as well as digital cellular, text messaging and Wireless Web access.

--	Interoperability - When customers need it, day-to-day and in times of crisis, extending communications across agencies and jurisdictions.
--	Proven, Trusted Technology - Affordable and ready to deploy now.
--	Reliable Communications - Two network paths, one handset - providing digital walkie-talkie, cellular, text messaging and data applications.
--	Enhanced Coverage and Capacity - The nation's largest all-digital network - Nextel has made service available to 99 percent of the state's population for several years.
--	Console Integration - Link current radio systems with Nextel handsets and equipment using Direct Connect.

    In addition, state of Florida and local government employees are also eligible for significant discounts off of wireless phones, as well as Nextel service and accessories for personal use.
    For more information about WSCA, pricing, product offerings and employee discounts, visit www.nextel.com/wsca.

    About Nextel

    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 Nextel Partners, Inc.

    Nextel Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTP), based in Kirkland, Wash., has the exclusive right to offer the same fully integrated, digital wireless communications services offered by Nextel Communications, Inc. (Nextel) in mid-sized and rural markets in 31 states where approximately 54 million people reside. To learn more about Nextel Partners, visit www.nextelpartners.com.

    About WSCA

    WSCA's mission is to lead the nation in cooperative purchasing benefiting our member states and others including states, cities, counties, public schools and institutions of higher education nationwide. For more information about WSCA, go to www.aboutwsca.org.

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CONTACT: Nextel Communications Inc. Media: Michele Pinnau, 407-838-5239 Investors: Paul Blalock, 703-433-4300 or Nextel Partners, Inc. Media: Dana Lent, 850-236-3529 Investors: Alice Kang Ryder, 425-576-3696

KEYWORD: FLORIDA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GOVERNMENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKING PRODUCT SOURCE: Nextel Communications Inc.

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