Nextel Partners Launches Three-in-One Wireless Service in Central Illinois.

Business Editors, High-Tech Writers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 28, 2000

Businesses to Benefit From Integrated Digital Cellular,

Two-way Radio and Paging Features All in One Phone

Local businesses interested in increasing productivity and maximizing resources can now access Nextel's three-in-one digital wireless service from Nextel Partners.

The unique service combines digital cellular, digital two-way radio and text/numeric paging in one compact phone.

Today, Nextel Partners officially launched its all-digital wireless network with service in Central Illinois, including Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield, Champaign and Decatur. Nextel Partners' digital coverage extends along the frequently traveled corridor of Interstate 55 south from Chicago through Bloomington and Springfield to St. Louis, Mo.; Interstate 74 east from the Quad Cities in eastern Iowa to Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign and Danville; Interstate 57 south from Chicago to Champaign and Effingham; Interstate 72 east from Springfield through Decatur to Champaign; Interstate 70 west from Indianapolis, Ind., to Effingham and St. Louis, Mo.; Interstate 39 north from Bloomington to the Wisconsin border; and Highway 51 south between Bloomington and Decatur. Nextel Partners Central Illinois customers will not pay long-distance fees calling anywhere within Nextel Partners' coverage area in Illinois.

The launch expands Nextel's and Nextel Partners' regional coverage, which already includes Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines and Omaha.

Available immediately, Nextel service is the first in Central Illinois to let users instantly communicate with one or up to 100 co-workers in the area at the touch of a button and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional cellular call. Through Nextel Direct Connect(R), a Nextel Partners customer in Springfield, for example, can press one button and talk instantly with co-workers on the same fleet in Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign, and Chicago as well as Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Madison, Wis. -- and pay no long-distance charges, avoid the hassles of voice mail, and talk with multiple contacts simultaneously.

Phone Donation Enhances Public Safety

As a new business leader in Springfield, Nextel Partners is launching "Nextel Project Patrol," a program in conjunction with the Springfield Police Department to help reduce crime and improve livability in neighborhoods across the area. For its part, Nextel Partners is donating 13 phones and free local service for a year to the Springfield Police Department.

Utilizing the phone's three-in-one service -- in particular the Nextel Direct Connect digital two-way radio feature that lets users connect instantly -- the donation will enhance communications between local law enforcement and community and neighborhood volunteers for more timely response. The phones will be used in the "Neighborhood Police Officer" program, as well as with existing at-risk neighborhoods.

"Citizen volunteers who are willing to take an active role in community safety projects enhance the quality of life throughout our entire community. Public-private partnerships like 'Nextel Project Patrol' enable us to launch new proactive public-safety initiatives and work with these groups to give them as much support as possible," said Springfield Chief of Police John Harris.

The donation of phones to the Springfield Police Department continues Nextel Partners' commitment to community partnerships across the Midwest, which kicked off in early May with the donation of free phones and service to the Des Moines, West Des Moines and Davenport Police Departments, as part of the company's launch in Iowa. The company also donated phones to the Omaha Police Department and the American Red Cross' Heartland Chapter in Omaha in mid May, as part of its launch in Nebraska.

"We've seen the positive impact Nextel's technology can have by giving residents and local law enforcement instant access to one another. It's a very effective way for community volunteers to work safely with law enforcement officials on a variety of public safety initiatives, from reporting suspicious activities in neighborhoods to helping coordinate community events," said Brad Olson, General Manager of Central Illinois for Nextel Partners.

Nextel Partners will present the donation to the Springfield Police Department on Tuesday, June 27 at 10:30 - 11 a.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room, located at 800 East Monroe Street, Room 300, in downtown Springfield.

Brad Olson is leading Nextel Partners' launch in the region. As General Manager, Olson is responsible for managing the development of the company's local wireless coverage network and launching Nextel Partners' service in Central Illinois. He also oversees all direct and indirect sales efforts.

"Nextel service will offer something unique to this region," Olson said. "No other carrier can eliminate the need for multiple communications devices with one simple, affordable solution. Nextel is ideal for businesses who need instant access to co-workers, suppliers and business associates, as well as the quality and security of digital service."

Nextel Partners also brings to the region the Nextel Business Networks(SM) program, which connects members of the same industry for instant updates on the status of projects, whereabouts of associates or supplies, and more -- all at the touch of a button. Covering several industries, including building and construction, insurance, manufacturing, government and transportation, the network saves businesses time and money by providing a critical link to key suppliers and partners.

Nextel Partners' local headquarters is located at 3050 Montvale Drive, Suite E, in Springfield. The company also has an office in Peoria located at 7800 North Sommer Street, Suite 303. Nextel Partners expects to employ 15 people at its Springfield office and 17 people at its Peoria office by launch date.

Nextel Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq:NXTP), based in Kirkland, Wash., has the exclusive right to provide digital wireless communications services using the Nextel brand name in 21 states where more than 40 million people reside. Nextel Partners offers its customers the same fully integrated digital wireless communications services available from Nextel including digital cellular, text/numeric paging and Nextel Direct Connect digital two-way radio, all in a single wireless phone. Nextel Partners customers can seamlessly access these services anywhere on Nextel's or Nextel Partners' all-digital wireless network. Nextel and Nextel Partners currently serve 98 of the top 100 U.S. markets. To learn more about Nextel Partners, visit our web site at www.nextelpartners.com. To learn more about Nextel's services, visit www.nextel.com.

Nextel, Nextel Direct Connect and Nextel Business Networks are trademarks and/or servicemarks of Nextel Communications, Inc.