Nextel nabs governmentwide mobile radio deal

Nextel Communications Inc. won a two-year contract from the General Services Administration to provide mobile radio services to federal, state and local agencies receiving federal funding, the company announced Dec. 16.

The Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio services contract has three one-year options and is valued at $200 million per year, the company said.

Under the indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, Nextel of Reston, Va., will offer its full-range of products and services. These include access to wireless phones and accessories; Nextel's Java-enabled wireless phones; wireless packet data tools; direct connection; digital, long-range, two-way walkie-talkie capability; messaging services; custom network solutions; and emergency response rental program.

In response to public safety requirements, the contract offers customers unique interoperability features for emergency preparedness and response, the company said. The suite of services is being delivered on Nextel's digital voice and packet data network.

Nextel was awarded its initial GSA contract in March 1999. Sales under that contract have exceeded expectations, the company said. A company spokeswoman declined to disclose a sales figure for the initial contract.

The company has about 13,000 employees and annual revenue of $7.6 billion.