Cell Phone Savvy Makes Sense Who would you rather have dinner with? by Eva Wohn (NAPSA)—In a recent survey, more than 60 percent of us reported that rudeness is a growing problem in America. So with the rising popularity of wireless phones—there are now approximately 120 million users nationwide—another trend comes as no surprise: about half of us often witness annoying mobile phone use by others, and 17 percent of us confess to engaging in this behavior ourselves. As a result, “no phone zones” are cropping up in public places, from trains and restaurantsto college campuses. Yet Americans depend more than ever on wireless phones; we take comfort in knowing our family can reach us in a crunch or that we can step out of the office while waiting for an importantcall. So is it possible for civility and convenience to coexist? Fortunately, with greater awareness of appropriate wireless phone use, the answeris yes. For example, ringers should be turned off or set to “vibrate” in public settings, such as libraries, museums and restaurants. When it is appropriate to take a call, normal speaking tones will do; there’s no need for “cell yell.” Or, as many wireless users have already discovered, text messaging offers a discreet alternative to voice conversations. Most importantly, if calls are made while on the road, drivers should take advantage of hands-free devices and other options, such as speed dialing. Of course sometimes the best approach is simply to turn off the phone andlet calls go to voice mail. While these tips may seem obvious, they are often ignored. But when our manners keep up with advances in technology, we can take fullest advantage of the benefits that technology offers. Eva Wohn is Vice President of State and Regulatory Affairs for AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE), the largest independently traded wireless carrier in the United States, following a split from AT&T on duly 9, 2001. Learn more about appropriate wireless phone use and “test your wireless finesse” at www.attwireless.com /press.
