Sprint/Nextel Merger to Close

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. and RESTON, Va. -- Sprint (NYSE:FON) and Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) today announced that they intend to close their proposed merger on Friday, Aug. 12, 2005. The companies have received all required regulatory approvals for the merger.

The proposed merger-of-equals between Sprint and Nextel was announced on Dec. 15, 2004 with a commitment to create Sprint Nextel -- a leading communications provider that will offer a comprehensive range of innovative wireless and wireline products and services to consumer, business and government customers. After the completion of the merger, Sprint Nextel common stock will begin trading on Monday, Aug. 15, 2005, on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "S."

Sprint Corp.

Nextel Communications Inc.