Cingular launches cellphone courtesy campaign
Cingular Wireless today launched "Be Sensible," a national program to turn the tide in the battle against bad etiquette and promote safety with wireless phone use.
In a nationwide survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC), 63 percent of respondents said that the use of a cell phone in public places such theaters and restaurants was irritating.
"Cingular believes in the power of self expression," said Cingular CEO and President Stephen Carter. "This program is a natural extension of individuals' rights to express themselves—without annoying the person next to them."
Cingular's campaign includes retail initiatives, community programs, advertising, and an interactive web site.
A major part of the initiative concentrates on safe driving. "Drive Sensibly Weeks" have been identified during peak travel times year-round. Discounts on car accessories such as headsets and hands-free speaker phone kits will be offered during these weeks to remind people that driving should always be first priority.
The "Be Sensible" program will also have a specific focus on teen outreach. Materials such as in-class driver's education videos, curricula and a "Be Sensible" web site just for teens are currently in development in conjunction with the National Safety Council.
Another important element of the "Be Sensible" program promotes courtesy in public areas such as museums, theatres and restaurants. In a recent survey by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) conducted May 17-20 people identified the following locations as the places they have overheard ringing cell phones and overhearing cell phone conversations:
- Restaurant (77 percent)
- Retail Store (77 percent)
- Sports event (54 percent)
- Theater, concert or other performance (43 percent)
The survey also showed that "cell yell" seems to be a real phenomenon: two-thirds of all respondents (66 percent) agreed that people talk louder when they are on their cell phones.
To encourage courteous use, Cingular Wireless is distributing signs with the "Be Sensible" icon reminding wireless phone users to set their phones to silent or vibrate while in certain public areas.
The signs read: "Shhhhhhhhh. Please set your phone to vibrate or silent," and feature Cingular's orange logo holding a wireless phone.
The American Association of Museums is one of the first organizations to work with Cingular to help distribute the "Be Sensible" signs to their membership. Companies or organizations interested in receiving brochures, signs or other "Be Sensible" materials can visit www.sensiblepartner.com or www.be-sensible.com.
A comprehensive guide, "Sensible Suggestions for Wireless Living" is currently available at Cingular locations nationally.
Among the tips offered in the guide:
- Make driving safely your first priority.
- Use a hands-free device when available.
- Don't engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may be distracting.
About Cingular Wireless
Cingular Wireless is the second largest wireless carrier in the U.S., and is dedicated to self-expression and customer-friendly service. As a leader in mobile voice and data communications, Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications and BellSouth, currently serves 20.5 million customers nationwide. Cingular's vision is to grow rapidly by offering customers advanced technologies in simple, cost-effective ways that permit them to tap the creative potential of wireless through their own self-expression. Details of the company are available at www.cingular.com.
Source: Cingular Wireless
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