Nextel Subscribers Hit 10 Million

Following four quarters of improving operating metrics, Nextel Communications activated its ten millionth domestic digital subscriber during September.

Company officials attributed the Reston, Va.-based wireless firm’s continued growth to its Direct Connection feature, a long-range walkie-talkie on each phone that allows users to connect to other users within a local calling area.

“This is an important milestone for us. Our customer base is growing thanks to our key differentiator, Direct Connect, as well as our ‘always-on’ packet data network. We’ve demonstrated four consecutive quarters of improving financial results, eliminated a sizeable portion of our debt, and managed to sustain a churn rate that is among the lowest in the industry,” said Tim Donahue, president and CEO of Nextel.

Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc. have built the largest all-digital wireless network covering 197 of the top 200 U.S. markets. Nextel’s wireless voice and packet data communications services are available in areas of the U.S. where approximately 239 million people live or work.