Science & Technology

When Phones Were Fun: NEXTEL

For a couple years in mid-2000s America, it was tough to go a day in public without hearing a very distinctive electronic “chirp.” It was the trademark tone of “Direct Connect,” a nationwide-walkie talkie built in to every cellphone bearing the “Nextel” nameplate. By 2004, Direct Connect had helped Nextel Communications amass nearly 20 million customers with some of the highest loyalty – and highest revenues – in the industry. ... Read More | Share it now!