RESTON, Va. ? 06/26/2006 Wireless customers have grown increasingly dependent on their cell phones to stay connected on the go, but often they aren't aware that their conversations can disturb others. While most of us can attest to having witnessed rude wireless behavior first-hand, few will readily admit to having been a culprit. That's why, in recognition of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month in July, Sprint (NYSE: S) is releasing a wireless etiquette podcast at podcast.sprint.com and encouraging cell phone users to tune in and brush up on their manners.
Sprint's etiquette spokesperson, Jacqueline Whitmore, founder and director of The Protocol School of Palm Beach and the originator of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, is featured in the interview-style podcast. ?Our multi-tasking society is busier than ever. Most times people don't intend to offend, they are just unaware of their surroundings,? says Whitmore. ?The best way to change behavior is to equip consumers with the knowledge they need to balance etiquette with the convenience provided by wireless devices. That's why Sprint has been a leader in promoting courtesy awareness.?
During the interview, Whitmore addresses challenges facing business professionals who rely on wireless phones for their livelihood. ?Good manners can make or break a deal and affect your success ? and in today's business environment that includes wireless manners,? she said. Whitmore also offers a few good tips for avoiding common cell phone blunders. ?Utilize your phone's silent or vibrate mode when entering a quiet zone such as a restaurant or meeting and avoid discussing confidential information in public,? she says. While courtesy rules may change depending on the situation, Whitmore is confident that the best way to avoid an embarrassing faux pas is to think before you act. ?Etiquette is situational ? it's not black and white. In the end, it all comes down to using your best judgment and common sense.?
Listen to the Podcast:
Listeners can access Sprint's wireless etiquette podcast by visiting ?The Communications Insider? at podcast.sprint.com. ?The Communications Insider? is a Sprint-sponsored podcast news portal featuring the latest in communications technology. Topics focus on mobility tools that can improve business processes. The show is hosted by David Spark, a journalist who has been covering the technology industry in print, radio, and television for nine years.
Sprint Wireless Courtesy Report
In 2004, Sprint released a Wireless Courtesy Report detailing trends and perceptions of wireless phone behavior. The report was based on a nationwide survey of 723 adult wireless subscribers. The study's major finding was that while the overwhelming majority of Americans said people were less courteous when using a wireless phone than five years earlier, they themselves were not at fault. Additional results revealed that 80% of Americans think that wireless callers have become less courteous but 97% don't think they?re part of the problem.
Cell Phone Booths
To assuage restaurant patrons? frustration with wireless chatter, Sprint has sponsored cell phone booths in select restaurants. Similar to the traditional phone booths of generations past, these new booths are located in the Atlanta-area. They offer callers privacy and reduce the risk of disturbing others.
Courtesy Quiz
More information about wireless etiquette can be found at sprint.com/etiquette. While there, visitors can test their wireless etiquette acumen on a brief courtesy quiz and also link to information on Jacqueline Whitmore and the Protocol School of Palm Beach.