Foes Still Gunning for Nextel

Sure, Nextel (NXTL Quote) packs a mean wallop. But some observers are starting to wonder if the fast-growing wireless company can go 10 rounds.

The company's one-two punch has taken on legendary proportions. First, you hook users on walkie-talkie service. Then, you charge as much as you can for as long as you can. Thursday's blowout earnings report showed that Nextel continues to hammer its point home with a growing group of users.

Still, skeptics note that behind the industry's great success story of the last two years is a debt-laden company facing huge spectrum- and network-upgrade bills. Also potentially worrisome: Nextel's strides in cornering its market haven't gone unnoticed by antitrust regulators. ...