Nextel awarded $200-million-a-year government contract

Nextel Communications Inc. said Monday it was awarded a two-year contract from the U.S. General Services Administration, valued at $200 million per year.

Under the contract, which also includes three one-year option periods, Nextel said it will supply a full range of products and services, including phones and accessories, data tools, its Direct Connect service, and messaging features.

The company said the contract will enable Nextel to provide emergency wireless services to all federal agencies as well as state and local agencies with federal funding.

Nextel was awarded its initial contract with the U.S. General Services Administration in March 1999.