Sprint Nextel Highlights First Year Complete For 800 Mhz Reconfiguration

Significant Progress Made Toward Eliminating Public Safety Interference

RESTON, Va. — 06/27/2006, Today, on the first anniversary of implementing the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 800 MHz decision, Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) announced continuing progress on reconfiguration of the 800 MHz band of the radio spectrum. Twelve months into the project, 96 percent of all necessary Frequency Relocation Agreements (FRA) for Wave 1, Phase 1 incumbents have been signed. Only four out of the more than 500 negotiations for Wave 1, Phase 1 incumbent retunings have had to be referred to the FCC and are awaiting resolution.

As a result of additional successful negotiations between Sprint Nextel and 800 MHz incumbent licensees, 97 percent of Wave 2, Phase 1 FRAs have been signed; only two of the remaining agreements in this Wave are expected to be referred to the FCC. While significant work remains to be completed with Wave 3 licensees, Sprint Nextel anticipates comparable progress here as well.

In addition to the achievements noted above, 50% of all Phase 1 incumbents for Waves 1 and 2 have moved to their new channel assignments within the 800 MHz band.

Over the last few months, Sprint Nextel and others have focused on making the process of reconfiguration smoother for first responders, including support for the TA’s planning funding “Fast Track” program and the creation of a Public Safety Advisory Board. These steps, combined with the more than 100 employees at Sprint Nextel committed to the 800 MHz reconfiguration project, will continue to move the process forward.

Robert S. Foosaner, senior vice president, government affairs for Sprint Nextel said, “Sprint Nextel is pleased with the progress to date on 800 MHz reconfiguration. Today marks an important milestone for our company and I thank my colleagues at Sprint Nextel as well as the many dedicated public safety officials and private wireless licensees who have made the process work. As we continue our hard work in Waves 3 and 4 and Phase 2, I encourage all parties to work together toward completing 800 MHz reconfiguration and eliminating interference to public safety communications.”

800 MHz radio interference, a problem affecting police, fire and EMS agencies around the country, is the result of the incompatible technologies of public safety operators and commercial carriers operating adjacent to one another. The FCC has mandated spectrum reconfiguration at 800 MHz, creating additional spectrum for public safety, to solve this critical issue. On June 27, 2005, Sprint Nextel began implementing a three-year reconfiguration plan, according to the FCC’s guidelines.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of communications services bringing mobility to consumer, business and government customers. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks offering industry leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

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Tim O’Regan

Public Affairs

Sprint Nextel

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