Excluding the Nextel conversion, Sprint added a disappointing 68, 000 non-Nextel subscribers in the fourth quarter.

FORBES: Sprint Splashes More Red With Results As Questions On Future Loom

To strengthen ties to Nextel, Akerson ordered everyone at Nextlink to switch to Nextel phones and beefed up contracts to handle Nextel traffic.

FORBES: "We're On A Collision Course"

The deal between Sprint Nextel and Nextel Partners still needs to be approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice.

FORBES