Common FAQs

• Can I use my wireless device while at a gas station?
  Yes. There is no scientific evidence that substantiates using your wireless device will cause harm while at a gas station. Your wireless device does not and can not cause a spark that could potentially ignite fuel vapors.
• Why can’t I use my wireless device on an airplane?
  The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has established rules banning in-flight use of cell phones due to the potential interference of navigation and aircraft systems. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has also adopted rules banning in-flight cell phone use due to the potential interference of cellular phone networks on the ground.
• Does using a wireless device pose any danger to my health or others?
  Not according to the experts who study this issue.  The overwhelming majority of research studies that have been published in scientific journals around the globe show that wireless phones do not pose a health risk. Furthermore, this is the public position of leading health organizations such as the United States Food and Drug Administration, the American Cancer Society and the World Health Organization.
• How do I recycle my wireless device and accessories?
  It’s easy to recycle your wireless device. Every major wireless service providers and most others will recycle your device for you, just by dropping it off at one of their retail centers. There are some recommended steps you should follow to properly recycle your device. The are:
  
  1. Terminate the service on the wireless device you would like to recycle.
  2. Clear you phone’s memory of all information you have added to it, and 
      remove the SIM card if your device has one.
  3. Take your device and/or accessories to participating retail stores or mail it in
      through a mail-in programs. Check with your carrier for specifics.
  
  To learn more about how to perform any of these steps, and more about recycling, visit: www.recyclewirelessphones.com.
• How can I receive Wireless AMBER Alerts?
  If you own a wireless device that is capable of receiving text messages, you may opt in to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts by registering at www.wirelessamberalerts.org or by visiting their wireless carrier's website.
  
  When you opt in, you will be asked to provide the wireless phone number(s) that you would like to receive the Alerts on, and designate up to five ZIP codes for which to receive these Alerts for.
• How can I be sure my cell phone records and personal information is safe?
  Wireless companies have extensive security measures in place to help protect your privacy and maintain security and fraud departments that work with law enforcement to aggressively investigate and prosecute data thieves. Congress also stepped up to the plate in December 2006 by passing a law that makes the fraudulent acquisition or unauthorized disclosure of phone records a federal crime. As a consumer, you can also take action to ensure the security of your cell phone by utilizing account passwords and other protections provided by your wireless carrier.

• What commitment has the industry made to consumers regarding wireless service and the kind of information you need to decide what service is best for you?
  Every wireless service provider that is a CTIA member, and that includes companies serving more than 95% of all U.S. wireless subscribers, is committed to abiding by the voluntary Consumer Code for Wireless Service. It’s a set of carrier commitments to provide you with valuable information and services to determine which wireless service is right for you, and inform you of what rights you have after you’ve selected that service. To learn more about the Code and which carriers participate click here.

• If I need to file a complaint how do I do that?
  If you need to file a complaint about your wireless service or device you can do so with the FCC via email, phone or mail. Check their website for the information they require: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html.