Meet the NEXT Generation of Push-to-Talk over Cellular

The History of Nextel

Founding

• Morgan O'Brien, Brian McAuley, Chris Rogers, and Peter Reinheimer founded FleetCall in New Jersey in 1987
• In 1993, FleetCall rebranded as Nextel Communications, becoming widely recognized for its push-to-talk "walkie-talkie" feature

Network

• Nextel operated on the 800 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) spectrum band
• Its iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network) technology enabled efficient digital voice communication and instant push-to-talk functionality

Growth

• Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Nextel expanded rapidly by acquiring numerous SMR operators across the U.S.
• At its peak, Nextel served more than 20 million subscribers nationwide

Merger and Shutdown

• In 2005, Sprint Corporation merged with Nextel to form Sprint Nextel Corporation
• The iDEN network faced limitations and was not compatible with evolving 3G and 4G technologies
• In 2013, Sprint retired the Nextel brand and officially shut down the iDEN network

Why Was NEXTEL So Popular?

Nextel Communications became widely popular due to its signature Direct Connect feature, which allowed users to communicate instantly at the push of a button. This push-to-talk (PTT) technology eliminated the need to dial numbers or wait for calls to connect, enabling fast, efficient group communication in real time.

Industries such as construction, transportation, and field services relied heavily on Nextel's PTT capabilities to improve coordination, increase productivity, and enhance safety in demanding work environments. Although the Nextel brand was retired, its impact continues today, as modern push-to-talk communication systems and business radio technologies build on the foundation it helped establish.

HORIZON Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) Platform

The HORIZON Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) platform delivers reliable, nationwide communication using a combination of Wi-Fi networks and modern 4G, 5G, and LTE cellular coverage. Designed for seamless connectivity, HORIZON enables instant communication across job sites, facilities, and remote locations.

Fully compatible with Hytera push-to-talk radios, the platform supports a wide range of devices including lightweight handheld radios, in-vehicle mobile radios, and smart devices running business and industrial applications. HORIZON also includes a powerful dispatching system with instant group and individual calling, as well as GPS tracking for real-time visibility of remote workers and fleet operations.

Learn more about HORIZON Push-to-Talk over Cellular

Nextel is the registered trademark of T-MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC. All product names, logos, trademarks, and images are the property of the respective brand owners. Their use does not imply affiliation or endorsement by these companies and Hytera US Inc has no affiliation with them or Nextel.