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CTIA-The Wireless Association® Presents “Text”book Wireless Safety and Reminds Consumers How a Text Message Can Save a Life
June 15, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – America is in the middle of text messaging mania, and at the close of National Wireless Safety Week, CTIA-The Wireless Association® and the wireless industry reminds Americans that texting is more than just a popular means of communicating. Text messaging equips wireless consumers with a unique safety tool that enables people to respond to emergency situations anywhere, anytime.
“Last year, 158 billion text messages were sent in the U.S. alone, which is up 95% from 2005,” said Steve Largent, President & CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association®. “This translates into approximately 300,000 text messages per minute. Moreover, 94% of all text messages are opened and read, something that can be critical in emergency situations when it’s important for the recipient to be aware of the information in a text message.”
Since 1990, CTIA-The Wireless Association® and the wireless industry have joined together to sponsor National Wireless Safety Week to focus attention on the important role wireless technology can play in enhancing personal safety. This year National Wireless Safety Week is June 11th-15th, and the industry is highlighting “Text”book Wireless Safety to raise awareness about the safety aspects of texting.
- Text to Help Save Lives:
- The Wireless AMBER Alerts initiative is a great example of how text messaging technology can be used to help save lives.
- Now when an AMBER Alert is issued, the same information displayed on electronic highway signs can be displayed on cell phones. Go to www.wirelessamberalerts.org and sign up today at no cost. Then, if an Alert is issued in your area, you’ll receive a free text message that could aid in the recovery of an abducted child.
- Text During Times of Disaster or Emergency:
- The amount of data in a text message is significantly less than that which is in a digital phone call.
- That’s why when disasters strike and communications networks might be challenged, or if network coverage is low in a remote area, texting can be the most effective way to communicate via your wireless device.
- Text Responsibly:
- There’s a time and a place for texting, and behind the wheel is not one of them. Be responsible…Don’t Text and Drive.
To learn more about “Text”book Wireless Safety, the basics on how to text, and other important safety tips, go to http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/safety/index.cfm/AID/10672.
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CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry,
representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
www.ctia.org
