March 18, 2006

By: Shawnee McRoberts
Website: http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com

Nextel Launches First Camera Phone with Nation's Most Popular Walkie-talkie Service

Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) today announced the availability of the Motorola i860, the first phone with a built-in camera to offer Direct Connect(R), Nationwide Direct Connect(SM) and International Direct Connect(SM) walkie-talkie services. For high-resolution images of its sleek black and metallic blue design, visit http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=4741626.

With the Motorola i860, Nextel(R) is the first national cellular service provider to offer two exclusive features that make communicating more integrated, convenient and intuitive. The Nextel Direct Send(SM) contacts feature allows a user to send contact information, including names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses, to another user's Motorola i860 phone with the simple press of the Push To Talk(TM) (PTT(TM)) walkie-talkie button. Additionally, a user can create messages in seconds directly from the i860's contact list by highlighting a name.

Nextel Multimedia Messaging service, available first on the Motorola i860 handset, is designed for overall ease of use. It allows for a high level of expression and personalization by allowing messages to include text, images and audio altogether. The i860 allows these messages to be sent from several locations on the handset - eliminating needless extra steps - including the Message Center where voicemail and multimedia messages can be managed in one central location. Additionally, the i860 can capture photos and record up to ten seconds of video with audio.

Multimedia Messaging can be exchanged in three simple ways:

• between one i860 phone and another i860 phone,
  
  
• between an i860 phone and any e-mail address or
  
  
• between an i860 phone and a user's personal account on Nextel.com.

Multimedia Messaging can also be sent from an i860 phone to other two-way-messaging capable Nextel phones, and the recipient can read the text portion of the message and even forward it to an e-mail account to hear the audio and see images. Additionally, users can send multiple attachments (up to 100 kilobytes) in a single multimedia message.

"Nextel was the first U.S. wireless carrier to launch a walkie-talkie service eleven years ago, and we continue to pioneer other related functions. The Nextel Direct Send contacts feature on the new Motorola i860 is the most recent example of the power and potential of the Push To Talk(TM) walkie-talkie button. It follows other exclusive PTT(TM) innovations such as sending voice messages from the handset to an e-mail inbox with NextMail and connecting instantly across country borders with International Direct Connect," said Blair Kutrow, vice president, voice services and subscriber devices, Nextel Communications.

"With the triple advantage of a camera, Multimedia Messaging and Direct Connect walkie-talkie service, the Motorola i860 handset allows users to increase their productivity and response time through the convenience and immediacy of one integrated compact device," added Kutrow.

With benefits such as reliable documentation and secure encryption, Multimedia Messaging on the Motorola i860 is ideal for business users in several industries, including:

• Real Estate (a realtor can send an image of a house immediately to a prospect)
  
  
• Construction (a contactor can instantly show a finished project to the client)
  
  
• Field Services (a field worker can provide proof of work to the office within seconds)
  
  
• Financial Services (an insurance inspector can send accident photos to quickly begin claims)
  
  
• Transportation (a delivery driver can file an audio and written signature in real time)

Some of the many other features of the Motorola i860 handset are:

Large internal screen - with a 2.2 inch diagonal measurement, it is Nextel's largest ever

Color external display - shows the time, date and caller ID without the need to open the flip phone

Photo caller ID - a picture of the caller can appear on the external and internal screen during an incoming call

Media Center - store hundreds of photos

Audio caller ID - user-assignable ring tones allow users to instantly identify important calls without having to look at the phone

MP3 ringtone capable - users can download ringtones of full songs with complete vocals and instrumentals

Quick-flip opening mechanism - the phone flips open with the simple push of a button

Airplane mode - turn off the network connection and use programs, games, voice recorder and datebook while in flight

Speakerphone - for convenient hands-free conversations

Voice recorder - captures memos or incoming phone conversations for future playback

600-contact phone book - store up to eight numbers for a single name

JAVA(TM) technology-enabled - allows the downloading of hundreds of advanced games and applications

Voice-activated dialing - speak to dial numbers

GPS technology-enabled - capable of location-based applications and services

Profiles - personalize settings for up to twelve environments; for example, when the self-titled "meeting" mode is selected, the phone could be set to only vibrate

VibraCall(R) Alert - be alerted of incoming calls and messages without an audible disruption

The Motorola i860 handset weighs 4.77 ounces and measures 1.96 x 3.45 x 1.01 inches. It has 25,000 kilobytes of memory for storing multimedia messages, and it is available through all Nextel distribution channels, including retail stores, at a price of $299.99 with a two-year service agreement, new activation and credit approval. For Multimedia Messaging price plans, visit www.nextel.com. Taxes, fees, early termination fee and other charges apply.

Also See: free cellular phones.

Author Notes:

Shawnee McRoberts contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com.  An industry resource for the wireless industry featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of phones and service plans.