US Mobile Users Are Rude

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -- A new Harris Interactive® survey reveals that a whopping 86 percent of wireless phone subscribers claim to rarely or never engage in discourteous cell phone use. Yet half of those surveyed believe that Americans are generally discourteous when using cell phones in public. In addition, a significant number of wireless subscribers admit they don't know how to use common cell phone features that they believe promote more polite usage.

The Harris Interactive survey, commissioned by AT&T Wireless, examined the attitudes of adult wireless phone subscribers in the U.S. towards cell phone use in public. Key findings include:

"These findings show that wireless phone users want and need to learn how to use their phones more courteously in public," said Neve Savage, vice president, AT&T Wireless. "For example, the vast majority of wireless subscribers believe that use of the vibrating ringer and voicemail features can promote more polite cell phone use -- yet at least half don't use these features. What's more, a significant number of subscribers say they don't use these features because they don't have them -- though these features are actually quite standard."

"That's why AT&T Wireless is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the simple ways consumers can become more considerate cell phone users," Savage said.

In fact, July 1 is not only the beginning of Wireless Etiquette Month, but also the launch date for a series of wireless etiquette ads sponsored by AT&T Wireless. The ads, which appear in Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco train cars, use a lighthearted approach to remind commuters of the vibrating ringer feature, text messaging, and the fact that it's not necessary to shout into their wireless phones to be heard.

The company has also published a Top Ten list of tips for courteous wireless phone use, which is available at www.attws.com/press/presskits/etiquette/toptenlist.jhtml.

AT&T Wireless Services Inc.