Nextel Posts Profit for 2nd Straight Quarter

Nextel Communications Inc. posted a profit for the second straight quarter in a highly competitive wireless telephone industry on strong demand.

Nextel said it was helped by increased business from the construction and government sectors, lower capital spending and outsourcing customer service and computer operations.

Reston, Va.-based Nextel reported net income of $383 million, compared with a loss of $150 million in the same quarter a year ago. Shares of Nextel, the No. 5 U.S. wireless telephone company, fell 14 cents to $10.06 on Nasdaq.