Carriers Recognize Wireless Safety Week

Sprint PCS Wireless Safety Week gets underway, carriers are getting into the act with their own promotions and product offerings to help the get the word out.

Verizon Wireless (Bedminster, NJ) is expanding its driving safety initiatives, which it announced in January for the East Coast, to the entire country and has committed nearly a half-million dollars to do so. The company is taking advantage of National Wireless Safety Week, May 22-28, to reinforce its commitment to increase the development, affordability, and awareness of hands-free technologies to make using wireless phones in the car easier and ultimately safer.

The company has made the following commitment for its business nationwide: It is requiring its handset manufacturers to produce wireless phones with voice-activated dialing and two-way speakerphone capabilities by 2002, so users can dial, send, and end wireless calls without pressing any buttons.

The company also announced today a nationwide hands-free headset awareness plan, at a cost of nearly $500,000 including:

• All of the company's 1,100 stores across the country will be re-merchandised to include a separate wall, titled Accessories With Safety in Mind, to showcase the availability and benefits of hands-free talking. It expects to complete this by year-end.
• Beginning May 22, the company will roll out four high-quality, affordable "universal" headsets across the country, two of which are priced under $20. These universal headsets are designed to work with most manufacturers' phones and use a standard 2.5mm jack.
• Safety Icon: The company has developed a safety icon that will be prominently featured in posters, advertising, and the company's Web site, visually reminding users nationwide to "Call Safely."

<%=company%> (Kansas City, MO) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Richardson, TX) are making a commitment to Sprint PCS wireless phone users who want to enhance their ability to drive safely. The two companies are making "ear mike" hands-free calling devices available at no cost to Sprint PCS customers during Wireless Safety Week.

During the week, Sprint PCS customers can visit the Sprint PCS Web site to receive a free ear mike, while supplies last, for use with most handsets. Customers can also receive a minimum 25% discount on hands-free accessories during the week.

Edited by Ellen Jensen