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Going national
By August, Nextel users will be able to connect to any Nextel user in any state using the company's walkie-talkie feature. Today only users in these states can connect to others outside their region.
Nextel Direct Connect users across the country now will be able to connect with each other instantly, regardless if they are in the same state or talking coast to coast.
The wireless service provider launched its National Direct Connect service last week, which is initially available in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Nextel says National Direct Connect will be available throughout the U.S. by the end of August.
Direct Connect is Nextel's walkie-talkie feature, which lets users click on a name of another user and instantly connect. Previously, users could connect to Direct Connect customers only in their region.
Users say they have been waiting patiently for the national capabilities to reach their markets.
Drees, a company that builds homes in seven states, is looking forward to reducing costs and increasing employee productivity, says Karen Arens, office manager at the Fort Mitchell, Ky., construction company.
"From our bottom line, we will reduce costs by making fewer long-distance calls," she says. Drees has 490 Nextel...