keywords: nextel carrier sprint communications kirkland
text: Sprint-Nextel Deal Could Impact Kirkland, Wash.-Based Nextel &lt;b&gt;...&lt;/b&gt; Dec. 11--A marriage of Nextel Communications and Sprint could mean significant change for Kirkland-based Nextel Partners as well. Sprint and Nextel Communications are reportedly close to a deal that would create the third-largest US wireless carrier.