Nextel puts focus on business connections

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While wireless phone use is widespread, one company is working to focus on business users in particular.|ret||ret||tab|

For some businesses, Nextel is a popular option because of its two-way radio function and Internet capability. However, there are some limitations in service area.|ret||ret||tab|

"Nextel, by far, is one of the most advanced data systems out there," said Mike Harrison, assistant manager at Advanced Wireless Communications. One of the contributing features to the popularity of Nextel service among businesses is Direct Connect two-way radios.|ret||ret||tab|

"Direct Connect offers businesses real time communications, which allows rapid response to business issues. It is very practical for mobilizing and motivating your work force without having to use cell minutes," said Bob Holm, manager of Gateway Power Communications. "Nextel is a system geared towards helping businesses streamline."|ret||ret||tab|

The two-way direct commun-ication feature is of particular interest to operations such as construction and emergency services, which utilize fleets of vehicles.|ret||ret||tab|

Mike Albright, fire chief for Halltown Volunteer Fire Department, has found Direct Connect to be particularly useful in his work as a firefighter.|ret||ret||tab|

"It has made it easier for me to get a hold of my firefighters when I need to. We share our radio frequency with nine other departments in the area. Having these phones lets us communicate without tying up the radio in emergencies," Albright said. |ret||ret||tab|

Albright has seen Nextel's service in the area improve since his department began using the system three years ago. |ret||ret||tab|

"When we first got these, phoneservice was sporadic. The coverage area has really grown, but since Nextel is so new to the area there are some dead zones in neighboring counties," said Albright. |ret||ret||tab|

According to dealers, Nextel is constantly expanding its coverage area. However, limitations in coverage is an issue businesses must consider before incorporating Nextel service into their business. |ret||ret||tab|

"In the Springfield area, Nextel's coverage is nothing compared to what it is in larger cities. It works well along I-44, so if your fleet is traveling to Marshfield every day it will work great. If they are going into areas like Aurora or Seymour, it won't work at all," said Terri Brazeal, manager at Radiocomm Communications Specialists. |ret||ret||tab|

Many of these no service zones will disappear as Nextel implements its plan to take its Direct Connect plan nationwide. By Aug. 1, the whole country will be on the direct connect network except for extremely mountainous areas and Alaska. |ret||ret||tab|

"There are always going to be blackout spots; no company covers 100 percent," said George Travers, store manager at Advanced Wireless. " With Nextel you either have a signal or you don't. They do not use other companies' towers to roam. What this means is you always have the same quality of signal, and there are no hidden charges on your phone bill."|ret||ret||tab|

In addition to Direct Connect, Nextel offers service plans tailored to fit the needs of a variety of industries.|ret||ret||tab|

"They have specialized solutions for any kind of company," said Travers. " If a company can dream it, Nextel can build it for them."|ret||ret||tab|

Nextel public relations manager John Duty said that Nextel phones "take the office on the road and customizes it to your endeavor. They can handle any Internet application you need to access. The two-way is unscannable, which gives companies added security."|ret||ret||tab|

Added Travers: "They have Java applications, their own Internet service provider and GPS tracking systems. I wouldn't say they are second to none, but they do have a lot of features that other companies don't."|ret||ret||tab|

Nextel offers a variety of rate plans to attract businesses as well. |ret||ret||tab|

"A lot of their rate plans are designed solely for data solutions in business," said Travers. Customers may opt for plans with or without cellular minutes. Holm estimated that service for two phones would "cost a company about $100 a month for service including cellular minutes. With only Direct Connect, they could maintain four phones for about the same cost."|ret||ret||tab|

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