CHICAGO-Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. assigned a `B’ rating to the senior discount notes of Nextel Communications Inc. The rating also applies to the senior debt of Dial Call Communications and One Comm, which Nextel assumed when it acquired the companies.
DCR said it recognizes improvements made to Nextel’s reconfigured digital wireless technology, the company’s nationwide wireless footprint, its relatively low current and future anticipated debt/pop levels and the growing equity commitment from strategic investor Craig McCaw.
The rating also accounts for the execution risk associated with Nextel’s marketing strategy, intensifying competition in the wireless industry and growing amounts of secured and vendor debt that is senior to the rated public debt.
