RESTON, Va.-Nextel Communications Inc. added Motorola Inc.’s i836 handset to its line-up. The new iDEN handset includes access to Nextel’s digital cellular network, the carrier’s Direct Connect walkie-talkie service, the recently launched Group Connect enhancement to Direct Connect, and Nextel’s multimedia messaging service.
Nextel noted the handset also uses Java technology for downloading and running applications, as well as global positioning system technology that allows users to access location-based services. The handset retails for $200 with a two-year service agreement and slots in between the carrier’s compact i830 model and camera-equipped i860 handset.
In unrelated news, Microtrak Inc. announced an agreement with Nextel national agent Platinum Wireless to provide national GPS tracking to existing Nextel GPS-enabled handsets. The $10 per-month service allows users to track GPS-enabled Nextel handsets across the country from Microtrak’s Web site.
