Overview:
Sprint bought Nextel in 2005, combining its native CDMA network with Nextel's iDEN. Since its inception Nextel has been known for its push-to-talk walkie-talkie service.
Pros:Nextel uses the same pricing tiers as Sprint, which include the Simply Everything plan, which provides unlimited voice, messaging, data, and other services for 99 dollars per month.
Cons:There are not many BlackBerry models available for service on Nextel's iDEN network.
Detailed Provider Information:
Voice Plan Options: Nextel's top-tier plans are the same as Sprint's Simply Everything and Everything plans. The Simply Everything plan includes unlimited voice minutes for $99.99 per month, while the Everything plan offers 450 minutes for $69.99 per month and 900 minutes for $89.99. Their Business Essentials plan offers a number of service levels, from $39.99 for 400 minutes to $199.99 for 4,000 minutes. All of the above-mentioned plans include unlimited Direct Connect walkie-talkie service. The Everything and Simply Everything plans also have family options. The Simply Everything family plan offers two lines for $189.98 per month, and is $89.99 for each additional line. The Everything family plan offers 1,500 minutes for $129.99 and 3,000 minutes for $169.99.Data Options: Unlimited data is included with the Everything, Simply Everything, and Business Essentials with Messaging and Data plans. BES data costs an additional 20 dollars per month.
Messaging Options: Nextel includes unlimited messaging with Everything, Simply Everything, and Business Essentials with Messaging and Data plans.
Customer Service: Like Sprint, Nextel offers customer support via a toll-free number, a frequently-asked-questions section of the website, and live chat.
Contract: New purchases require a two-year contract, which can incur an early termination fee of up to $200.
International Calling and Messaging: International roaming is available as an add-on service, which must be activated by calling customer service.
Roaming Charges: Some services, including data, may not function while roaming.
Activation Fee: There is no fee to activate a Nextel BlackBerry via the company website.
Additional Features: Directory assistance is $1.79 per call plus normal airtime charges. Call forwarding costs 20 cents per minute.
Insurance: Nextel offers a Total Equipment Protection plan for 7 dollars per month.
Phones: Nextel has a very limited selection of BlackBerry devices. They recently added the BlackBerry Bold 9650, its first new model in a number of years. Some Additional BlackBerry Models Available:
BlackBerry Curve 8350i
BlackBerry Curve 8350i w/o camera
BlackBerry Curve 8330
Coverage Map: The Nextel coverage map can be found here.



