CTIA – The Wireless Association® Announces National Wireless Safety Week to be Held June 2-6, 2008

Week Opens Monday, June 2nd, with The Wireless Foundation’s VITA™ Achievement Awards Dinner

CTIA – The Wireless Association® is once again joining with its member companies to sponsor National Wireless Safety Week, which kicks off Monday, June 2nd. Partnering with wireless carriers and manufacturers, this week-long effort seeks to highlight the significant role wireless technology plays in enhancing public and personal safety.

“Since 1990, the wireless industry has joined together in sponsoring National Wireless Safety Week to focus attention on the important issue of public safety,” said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA – The Wireless Association®. “This year, we want to remind the more than 250 million wireless subscribers in the U.S. to not only act responsibly when using their wireless device, but to take responsibility and use their phones to help someone else in need.”

Opening National Wireless Safety Week 2008 on Monday, June 2nd is the VITATM Achievement Awards Dinner, sponsored by The Wireless Foundation. At this event, the wireless charity will honor eight Wireless Samaritans from across America who have used wireless technology in extraordinary circumstances to save lives or fight crime. This prestigious evening will also recognize wireless industry leaders, Members of Congress, FCC leadership and key Hill staff for their efforts in promoting wireless technology as a vital safety tool. You can learn more about the dinner at www.wirelessfoundation.org.

CTIA has created a Wireless Safety Week 2008 section on www.ctia.org to become live on June 2nd. This section features information and resources about the following important wireless safety initiatives:
Wireless AMBER Alerts: This initiative is a free public service that allows America’s 250 million-plus wireless subscribers the ability to help law enforcement in the search for abducted children by opting in to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts as text messages. Learn more about the new Spanish Language Enrollment site by visiting www.wirelessamberalerts.org and selecting the “En Español” button in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.
Get Wise About Wireless: This program equips parents and teachers with tips and tools to help students defeat digital bullies by practicing proper cell phone etiquette and safety behaviors.
Safe Driving: This campaign reminds consumers that safety is your most important call when behind the wheel. There’s a time and a place for texting, and while driving is not one of them. Be responsible, don’t text and drive.
“Text”book Wireless Safety: CTIA reminds consumers that texting can be a valuable safety tool, especially in times of emergency or severe weather when communications networks may be challenged. Take time to learn how to text!

The Wireless Safety Week 2008 section of CTIA’s website will also showcase an interactive multimedia page where visitors can view coverage from the 2008 VITA Wireless Samaritan Awards Dinner, watch video segments of amazing “Wireless Lifesaver” stories, and check-out the latest TV and radio ads from national public service announcement campaigns for Wireless AMBER Alerts and Safe Driving.

Additional elements of CTIA’s Wireless Safety Week web coverage include an in-depth public safety an interview with Brian Fontes, CEO of the National Emergency Number Association, which will be featured in the June edition of CTIA’s monthly “Wonder of Wireless” (WOW) webcast.

Throughout the rest of the week, leaders from the wireless industry will participate in a variety of events and programs around the country highlighting the safe use of wireless technology. Whether behind the wheel or packing for an upcoming summer vacation, CTIA and its member companies encourage consumers to be responsible and remember that safety is your most important call.
CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.

www.ctia.org

Contacts

CTIA – The Wireless Association
Shannon Nix, 202-736-3891