Nextel Direct Connect

Is your Direct Connect plan all that it's advertised? If you own New Nextel Phones, PCWorld warns that Nextel cell phones on this plan have the most complicated options. You're not charged for walkie-talkie calls in the local network, but can be charged for out-of-network calls. PCWorld recommends getting a flat rate plan to simplify Direct Connect. How does the service perform? Consumer reviewers report that the Direct Connect service is instant--beep beep, and you're connected. Nextel started the Direct Connect service, but has competition from Sprint and Verizon--Sprint's Ready Link service doesn't use wireless minutes, so the competition is fierce. We recommend you get two-way text messaging with Nextel's service.