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Cell Phone Users: Time for a Self-Assessment?
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- If you consider yourself a courteous cell phone user, you might want to think again.
In a recent survey of wireless phone subscribers, 42 percent responded that most Americans rarely or never use their cell phone in a courteous manner. Yet a whopping 95 percent claimed that they personally are a courteous cell phone user at least most of the time.
The non-scientific "person-on-the-street" survey was conducted during the past week among 200 wireless phone subscribers, half in New York City and half in Los Angeles. AT&T Wireless commissioned the survey to see if attitudes had changed since it released similar findings one year ago. July of each year is "Wireless Etiquette Month."
"It seems we may still judge our own cell phone use as being more courteous than those around us consider it to be," said Mark Siegel, vice president of public relations, AT&T Wireless. "Perhaps courtesy is in the eye -- or rather the ear -- of the beholder."
"But the good news is that most wireless subscribers do believe others are courteous users at least most of the time," Siegel continued. "And wireless subscribers are becoming familiar with phone features that can promote courteous use."
In fact, an overwhelming 94 percent of survey respondents agreed that in some situations it is courteous to set a cell phone ringer to "silent" or vibrate" -- and 89 percent claimed to have done so.
In addition, 69 percent of survey respondents agreed that in some situations sending a text message would be more courteous to those around them than making a voice call. Nearly half the respondents (46 percent) reported that they use text messaging.
Moreover, while 42 percent of respondents apparently believe that their fellow cell phone users need a lesson in wireless etiquette, 58 percent did agree that most Americans are courteous cell phone users at least most of the time.
So what can be done to raise America's cell phone courtesy quotient? AT&T Wireless recommends that cell phone users take a fresh assessment of their own behavior and consider the following tips:
-- Avoid "cell yell."
You typically don't need to shout to be heard.
-- Remember that your turn-offs may be pleasing to others.
If you're in a location where a ringing phone may disturb others --
such as a restaurant, museum, library, theater, or on public
transportation -- turn off your phone and let any calls go to
voicemail. Or simply set your ringer to "silent" or "vibrate."
-- Take it outside.
If you need to place a call while you're in one of these locations,
step outside before doing so. Some public places, such as movie
theaters and trains, may have designated areas where cell phone use is
permitted.
-- Use your thumbs.
In some situations it may be more courteous to those around you if you
quietly send a text message rather than place a voice call.
-- Ask before you click.
As with any other form of photography, don't use a camera phone where
taking pictures is prohibited. And ask permission before snapping
someone's picture.
About AT&T Wireless
AT&T Wireless is the second-largest wireless carrier, based on revenues, in the United States. With 21.692 million subscribers as of March 31, 2004, and revenues of more than $16.8 billion over the past four quarters, AT&T Wireless delivers advanced high-quality mobile wireless communications services, voice and data, to businesses and consumers, in the U.S. and internationally.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements'' which are based on management's beliefs as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events made by management with information that is currently available to management. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, management's expectations regarding: our future financial and operating performance and financial condition, including the company's outlook for the fiscal year 2004 and subsequent periods; the outcome of our pending transaction with Cingular; subscriber growth; industry conditions; the strength of our balance sheet; our liquidity and needs for additional financing; and our ability to increase revenue, margins and operating free cash flow.
Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside AT&T Wireless' control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Without limitation these factors include: the risks associated with the implementation of our technology migration strategy, uncertainty concerning the effects of our pending transaction with Cingular, our ability to continue to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of our distribution channels, the potential competitive impacts of industry consolidation or alternative technologies, potential impacts on revenue and ARPU from competitive pricing and slowing penetration in the wireless industry, the effects of vigorous competition in the markets in which we operate, the risk of decreased consumer spending due to softening economic conditions, acts of terrorism, and consumer response to new service offerings.
For a more detailed description of the factors that could cause such a difference, please see AT&T Wireless' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the information under the heading "Additional Factors That May Affect Our Business, Future Operating Results and Financial Condition" and "Forward Looking Statements" in its annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2004.
For Further Information:
Rochelle Cohen Mark Siegel
908-696-4217 - office 908-696-4218 - office
973-615-8135 - wireless 646-256-1277 - wireless
rochelle.cohen@attws.com mark.siegel@attws.com
AT&T Wireless
CONTACT: Rochelle Cohen, +1-908-696-4217, (wireless) +1-973-615-8135,rochelle.cohen@attws.com, or Mark Siegel, +1-908-696-4218, (wireless)+1-646-256-1277, mark.siegel@attws.com, both of AT&T Wireless
Web site: http://www.attws.com/
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