Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQs: Instant Messaging

Q:  What Instant Messaging services can I access using my Nextel phone?
A:  Sprint currently provides access to Instant Messaging from AOL®, MSN® and Yahoo!®
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Q:  How do I access Instant Messaging on my Nextel phone?
A:  On your phone go to Menu > Net > Email & IM and then select the provider that you desire.
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Q:  What do I need in order to use Instant Messaging on my Nextel phone?
A:  You will need an Internet-ready phone, a qualifying Data Service Pack and a compatible screen name from either AOL® , MSN® or Yahoo!® to begin using instant messaging on your Nextel phone immediately. If you do not have a compatible screen name, you must use your PC to register with your preferred instant messaging provider.
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Q:  Is there a charge for each message I send?
A:  No. With a qualified Data Service Pack, you can send unlimited instant messages.
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Q:  Can I use multiple screen names on my phone?
A:  Yes, you can use multiple screen names on your phone, however you must sign off the current screen name before signing in with the new screen name.
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Q:  What happens if I forget to sign off?
A:  It is important to sign off of Instant Messaging to prevent others from using your screen name. However, if you forget to sign off, you will automatically be "timed-out" or signed off after some period of inactivity. You will also be signed off from your Nextel phone if you sign in to the Instant Messaging service from another device.
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Q:  Is there a limit on the message size?
A:  The average size of an instant message is 200 characters. The maximum message size when sending messages from your phone is approximately 400 characters.
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Q:  What do the symbols next to the screen names mean?
A:  The symbols next to screen names give you information about that buddy's status.
* - New Message: This screen name has sent you a new message.
! - Alert: You will be notified when this screen name signs on.
= - Away: This screen name is away and unavailable for messages.
? - Uncertain: This screen name may be offline.
X - Rejected: You have declined messages from this screen name.
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Q:  How do I add a screen name to my Buddy List feature?
A:  From the AIM main page, select MENU to access the List Menu. Select Add Name to Buddy List. Enter the screen name and select OK. If you are engaged in a conversation with a screen name not in your Buddy List feature, scroll to that screen name in the Conversations List and select MENU. Select Add Name to Buddy List and then select OK to add the screen name to your Buddy List.
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Q:  How do I remove someone from my Buddy List feature?
A:  From the AIM main page, scroll to the screen name that you want to delete and select MENU. Select Delete screenname then select Erase to delete the screen name.
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Q:  How do I send a message to someone not in my Buddy List feature?
A:  To send a message to a screen name that is not in your Buddy List feature, from the AIM main page, select MENU to display the List Menu. Select Send Msg To& and enter the screen name. Use a Quick Reply or type your message and select Send.
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Q:  How can I be sure the screen names in my Buddy List feature are showing the correct status?
A:  Each time you send a message or update a conversation, the screen names in your Buddy List feature are refreshed and display the correct status. To ensure your screen names are showing the correct status, from the AIM main page, select MENU then select Get New/Update List.
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Q:  Can I reject messages from a screen name?
A:  Yes, to reject messages from a screen name in your Conversations List or in your Buddy List feature, scroll to the screen name you want to reject and select MENU. Select Reject Msgs for sceenname. Select REJCT to reject all messages from that screen name until you sign off. After the screen name has been rejected, an X appears next to the screen name on the AIM main page.
The first time a screen name who is not in your Buddy List feature sends you a message, you will be prompted to accept or reject the message.
To re-accept messages from a rejected user, scroll to the screen name and select MENU. Select Accept Msgs. Select Yes to re-accept the screen name's messages.
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Q:  How can I be sure the screen names in my Buddy List feature are showing the correct status?
A:  Each time you send a message or update a conversation, the screen names in your Buddy List feature are refreshed and display the correct status. To ensure your screen names are showing the correct status, from the AIM main page, select MENU then select Get New/Update List.
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