Motorola and Nextel Communications announced the availability of the Motorola i760, a fashionable new handset with advanced features, including a large color display and five different ways to communicate.

The i760 helps individuals stay connected when it matters most with the following five powerful options:

-- Digital cellular phone service

-- Direct Connect(R), the nationwide and country-to-country instant walkie-talkie service that connects users in under a second(i)

-- Group Connect(SM), the new service which allows users to communicate with up to 20 other Nextel users nationwide, all at once with the touch of a button, and to set it all up quickly and easily from their handset(ii)

-- Direct Talk(SM), which allows users who are outside of the coverage area to manually transfer to a two-way radio-to-radio communication mode with a range of up to six miles depending upon specific conditions, such as terrain.(iii)

-- Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) which allows users to send text, images and audio together, allowing a high level of expression and personalization

"The i760 offers our customers advanced features and reliability regardless of where they are," said Blair Kutrow, Nextel's vice president of product management. "The affordable price of this handset makes it ideal for families and businesses that need to stay connected."

"The Motorola i760 combines exciting new technologies and a sleek and fashionable look to an affordable full-featured handset," said Peter Aloumanis, director, U.S. Markets Division, Motorola's iDEN(R) Subscriber Group. "Everyone from the business user to various family members will enjoy using this handset."

The Motorola i760 uses Java(TM) technology, allowing users to download and run applications to meet their business and personal needs, as well as global positioning satellite (GPS) technology, which lets users access location-based services such as turn-by-turn driving directions(i). The phone also offers a variety of personalization options, including user-assignable ring tones, wallpaper designs, and navigation shortcuts, at an additional fee.

The i760 is available through all Nextel distribution channels, including retail stores, at a price of $149.99, after a $50 mail in rebate, with a two-year service agreement, new activation and credit approval. Taxes, fees, early termination fee and other charges apply.