Sprint Nextel has announced plans to attract more attention to its Nextel Direct Connect and Push-to-Talk services.

Sprint's new strategy to promote Nextel Direct focuses on service, features and functionality. The wireless carrier plans to combine Direct Connect with Sprint Mobile Broadband data capabilities, which should mean faster, richer service for customers.

"Customers can expect to see continued investment and the introduction of new handsets to utilize the network's unique capabilities," said Daniel Hesse, president/CEO of Sprint Nextel, Reston, VA.

Mr. Hesse said Sprint has made significant investments in its network over the past two years and its performance is at "best-ever levels."

Sprint Nextel has recently suffered from poor press in light of its subscriber losses. To revive itself, the company spent $28 million to boost its Arizona wireless and wireline networks in preparation for increased voice and data traffic during the Super Bowl.

The company is offering its data plan subscribers unlimited access to a new NFL Mobile service at no additional cost. By texting "NFL" to 7777*, customers get access to a live, uninterrupted stream from NFL Network, which will air each official Super Bowl XLII press conference along with game news and analysis.

Sprint reported net losses of 202,000 traditional prepaid users earlier this month and 683,000 post-paid subscribers last quarter. As a result, the company plans to cut 4,000 employees and close approximately 125 company-owned retail locations.

Sprint also announced four patent infringement actions against NuVox Communications Inc., Broadvox Holdings LLC, Big River Telephone Company and Paetec Communications, Inc. Sprint claims they were infringing on the company's patents by sending telephone calls over the Internet.