Sprint Nextel 'Powers Up' Alabama Coverage, Capacity to Its Wireless Networks with an Almost $17 Million Investment.

Significant Network Enhancements Made Throughout Alabama as Part of a $7 Billion Investment Nationwide

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) today announced enhancements to both the Sprint PCS Nationwide Network and the Nextel National Network(SM) in Alabama with an investment of almost $17 million through the third quarter of 2006 with more to come before year end. These extensive upgrades are the result of additional wireless cell sites and equipment being added to the networks, delivering additional coverage and network capacity to serve customers.

"Providing an excellent customer experience is Sprint's number one priority in Alabama and wherever we offer our wide range of wireless phones, plans and features," said Jeffrey Bennett, area vice president for Sprint Nextel. "We strive to make our wireless service the best where our customers live, work and travel."

By the end of 2006, Sprint will have spent almost $7 billion, much of which has gone to enhance its wireless and IP networks nationwide.

Nextel National Network

The Nextel National Network, one of the largest all-digital wireless networks in the United States, is based on the integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN) always-on technology, which provides the world's fastest and most efficient walkie-talkie service. More people use the Nextel National Network for walkie-talkie calls than any other such service in the world. In 2005, the Nextel Network carried more than 100 billion direct connect calls.

Sprint Expands the Sprint Power Vision Network

Sprint offers the most wireless broadband coverage of any carrier through the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, which reaches more than 188 million people nationwide, covering more than 8,700 communities and 780 airports. In late October, Sprint upgraded the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network to high-speed EV-DO Revision A technology in San Diego, the first U.S. market to receive EV-DO Rev. A. Since then, EV-DO Rev. A coverage has expanded to 20 markets and more than 60 million people - which surpassed the previously announced goal of 40 million people by the end of the year.

With EV-DO Rev. A, Sprint Mobile Broadband users should experience average upload speeds about five to six times faster (300-400 kbps compared with 50-70 kbps) than current EV-DO networks. Average download speeds should also increase to 450-800 kbps from 400-700 kbps. By third quarter 2007, Sprint's Mobile Broadband Network is expected to be completely upgraded to the faster EV-DO Rev. A. The upgrade to EV-DO Rev. A is expected to further drive Sprint's wireless data leadership as customers will be able to use the upgraded network to use applications such as all-IP video telephony, high-performance push-to-talk (walkie-talkie service), multi-user video conferencing, real-time gaming and video streaming as they become available. Sprint is the first service provider to deploy EV-DO Rev. A in the United States.

Power Network Coverage Tool Provides Unique View

To help current and prospective customers view coverage information, Sprint launched its Power Network Coverage Tool in early October. This online tool provides detailed coverage maps down to the street address level. By entering an address or ZIP code, customers can check the availability of wireless coverage, recently added cell sites and the network signal strength on the Nextel National Network, Nationwide Sprint PCS Network or Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. The tool is available at www.sprint.com/coverage and at self-service touch-screen kiosks at many Sprint Nextel retail stores.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving more than 51 million customers at the end of third quarter 2006; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.