Sprint Nextel 'Powers Up' North Carolina Coverage, Capacity to Its Wireless Networks With a $51 Million Investment

Significant network enhancements made throughout North Carolina as part of a $7 billion wireless and wireline investment nationwide

RALEIGH, NC — Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) today announced enhancements to both the Sprint PCS Nationwide Network and the Nextel National Network(SM) in North Carolina with an investment of $51 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 North Carolina and wherever we offer our wide range of wireless phones, plans and features," said Craven Shumaker, area vice president for Sprint Nextel. "We strive to make our wireless service the best where our customers live, work and travel."

Sprint plans to invest $7 billion in its wireless and wireline networks nationwide in 2006. The $51 million investment in North Carolina includes nearly $23 million in Charlotte; nearly $20 million in Raleigh and Durham; and more than $6 million in Winston Salem.

Power Network Coverage Tool Provides Unique View
In October, Sprint launched its Power Network Coverage Tool to help customers view detailed coverage maps down to the street address level. By entering an address or zip code, customers can see the availability of wireless coverage and the network signal strength on the Nextel National Network(sm), Nationwide Sprint PCS Network or Sprint Power Vision Network. Customers can also view the location of recently added cell sites in many areas. The tool, available at www.sprint.com/coverage and at self-service touch-screen kiosks at hundreds of Sprint Nextel retail stores, is simple to use and helps set network coverage expectations for customers before signing up for wireless service.