Sprint today announced the availability of Nextel Direct Send Picture, a first-of-its-kind service that allows Nextel subscribers with capable Nextel phones the ability to send and review a picture quickly and easily, all while on a Nextel Walkie-Talkie call. The picture simultaneously appears on both the user's and recipient's phones during the call - so they can both view and discuss it without changing between voice and data services.

This capability builds upon the Direct Send service launched last year that utilizes the Nextel Walkie-Talkie button to send contact information and transfer the data into another subscriber's contact list.

Nextel Direct Send Picture is ideal for those who communicate frequently about site observations and events taking place in real time. For example, realtors could use it to review and discuss a new property on the market with a client. Insurance adjustors assessing damage claims also would find the service valuable as they instantly communicate on-site information to their home office and customers, all using Walkie-Talkie capability.

As part of a special introductory offer, customers will be able to use the Direct Send Picture service free of charge until February 28, 2006. Following the promotional period, users will be charged a per-image fee of $0.25 for images sent and received. Nextel Walkie-Talkie usage may apply to the period of the call before and after the image is transmitted, depending on a customer's rate plan.

Direct Send Picture is now available on the recently announced Motorola i870, and will be included on all future Nextel phones. Software upgrades to enable Direct Send Picture will also be rolled out over the coming weeks for select Nextel phone models already in the market including the Motorola i850, i760, i560, i355 and i275.