Wireless Phones One of the Most Popular Holiday Gift Items
27 December 1999
Wireless Phones One of the Most Popular Holiday Gift ItemsWith Millions of Wireless Phones Given as Gifts, AT&T Provides a Few Tips About Safety and Courtesy REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 27 -- If you received a wireless phone as a gift this holiday season, you are joining the more than 80 million Americans using wireless technology today. In fact, the Cellular Telephone Industry Association estimates more than 6 million wireless phones will be purchased during the second half of 1999 alone. Most people agree wireless phones help manage multiple commitments, stay in touch and enhance busy lifestyles. Wireless phones also come with significant responsibilities for the user -- especially in the area of safe and courteous use. AT&T continues to lead the industry in educating customers about the safe and responsible use of their wireless phone. In the spirit of the holidays, and as a guide for the many new wireless customers, AT&T is pleased to present these tips for all wireless customers. Safe Driving -- The safe operation of your car or truck is your primary responsibility. Do not let anything -- a wireless phone call, the radio/CD/tape, the kids, applying makeup, a newspaper, food and beverages -- distract you from the safe operation of your vehicle. -- When driving, ensure your safety and the safety of others. -- Always buckle up. -- Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. -- Don't let a phone call distract you from driving safely -- Consider your options for using your wireless phone: -- Allow voice mail to handle your calls and return them at your convenience. -- Pull off the road to a safe area or ask a passenger to make or take the call for you. -- Position the phone within easy reach -- Use hands-free equipment -- headset, car kit or ear piece -- if available. -- Use speed dial and automatic re-dial features. -- Dial numbers while you are not moving. -- Suspend conversation during hazardous driving conditions. -- Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations while driving. -- Never take notes or look up numbers while driving. Wireless Courtesy In addition to safe driving, the courteous use of your wireless phone is something that others will appreciate. Whether at a movie, restaurant, place of worship, play, airport, sports event or other public gathering, please: -- Set your phone on silent or vibrate, so as not to disturb others during a performance. -- If you must receive a call in a public place, ask your caller to please wait while you exit the facility, so as not to disturb others. -- Speak in a normal volume once you begin the conversation. Even though the phones are small, there is no need to shout and impose your conversation on others. -- Find a secluded place to make and receive calls -- near the pay phones, near the front entrance of the restaurant or the theater etc. Do not handle calls from your restaurant table, movie or theater seat. -- Be considerate of those who are with you. Keep your phone conversation short. AT&T Corp. ( http://www.att.com ) is among the world's premier voice and data communications companies, serving more than 80 million customers, including consumers, businesses and government. With annual revenues of more than $53 billion and 151,000 employees, AT&T provides services to customers worldwide. Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company runs the world's largest, most sophisticated communications network and has one of the largest digital wireless networks in North America. The company is a leading supplier of data and Internet services for businesses and offers outsourcing, consulting and networking-integration to large businesses. It is also the nation's largest direct Internet access service for consumers. Through its recent cable acquisitions, AT&T will bring its bundle of broadband video, voice and data services to customers throughout the United States. Internationally, the AT&T/BT Global Venture -- recently named Concert -- will serve the communications needs of multinational companies and international carriers worldwide. CONTACT: Ken Woo, 425-580-8349, or wireless, 206-915-7212, or Dick Abels, 303-573-3004, or wireless, 303-888-3353, both of AT&T Wireless Services.