Nextel Eliminates ‘Roaming’ Fees

Nextel Communications Inc., in a first for the wireless industry, said its customers can travel anywhere in the U.S. and use their phones without paying higher “roaming” fees. With Nextel’s new digital network, customers can travel in 50 U.S. cities and have their wireless calls and home rates follow them. Previously, Nextel’s digital phones worked only in their designated home markets. Traditionally, cellular phone users pay a monthly fee for the service plus per-minute charges each time they use the phone. When they travel outside a designated home area, they must pay higher per-minute rates, known as roaming charges, each time they use their phones. McLean, Va.-based Nextel’s decision to eliminate such charges is a bid to sign up more customers and encourage existing customers to use their phones more. Shares rose $1.375 to close at $15.125 on Nasdaq.