Nextel’s New Group ConnectSM Service Offers Instant Walkie-Talkie Group Conversations Nationwide, and Groups Can Easily Be Created on Handset
Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) today announced the launch of its new Group ConnectSM service, which enables instant group walkie-talkie conversations nationwide. The Group Connect service is easy to use, allowing groups to be created directly on the handset within seconds. The Group Connect service also exclusively allows users to create or access a group by scrolling over a name in the recent calls or contact list, and users do not need to enter into and out of a special application.
“Nextel remains the pioneer and undisputed leader for push-to-talk services,” said Becky Diercks, director of custom research and panels products at industry-analyst firm In-Stat. “Nextel is expected to retain its lead in the push-to-talk market due to its superior service, experience and advanced offerings, including its Group Connect service.”
The new Group Connect service allows up to 21 simultaneous participants, including the call initiator and 20 invitees, who can be anywhere in Nextel’s nationwide network. Through a unique presence feature, screen icons indicate if a participant has joined the call, opted out or is unavailable. The personalized name of the group and the participant who is currently talking are designated at the top of the screen.
Group Connect service is now available on the new Motorola i605 handset. Other capable handsets will be announced soon that will be designed to further meet the diverse needs of Nextel’s customers. Group Connect service allows up to 25 groups to be stored on the handset at one time.
“Nextel’s Group Connect and other walkie-talkie services meet our customers’ needs far better than anyone else can. With markets more competitive than ever before, it is unusual for a company to be recognized as the clear leader in any space, and especially to maintain that position for well over a decade. Nextel unquestionably holds this distinction in the push-to-talk category,” said Greg Santoro, vice president, products and services, Nextel.
With thirteen years of experience, more walkie-talkie services and users than any other national carrier and superior performance that includes connections under a second, Nextel is the leader of push-to-talk services. In addition to Group Connect, Nextel’s walkie-talkie services include:
— Nationwide Direct Connect, which connects coast to coast, including Hawaii;
— International Direct ConnectSM, with availability across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Peru;
— NextMailSM, by pushing the walkie-talkie button, a voice message can be recorded and then sent to any email inbox;
— Direct TalkSM, allows connections up to six miles away in remote areas without network coverage;
— Direct SendSM, by pressing the walkie-talkie button, contact info (names, phone numbers, email addresses) can be instantly sent to another phone.
Group Connect customers can choose from several pricing plans, including a pay-as-you-go option or bundled offerings with other Nextel walkie-talkie services. Additionally, Nextel will continue to offer its service that was previously branded as Group Connect service and has been renamed as the Talkgroup serviceSM, for customers who need to communicate regionally with groups of up to 100 participants. For more information, visit http://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 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
Nextel Partners, Inc., (NASDAQ:NXTP), a FORTUNE 1000 company based in Kirkland, Wash., has exclusive rights to offer the same fully integrated, digital wireless communications services offered by Nextel Communications (Nextel) in mid-sized and rural markets in 31 states where approximately 54 million people reside. To learn more about Nextel Partners, visit http://www.nextelpartners.com.
