SAN DIEGO (July 10, 2000) - Nokia, the world's largest mobile phone manufacturer, along with San Diego Mayor Susan Golding, and National Food Critic and Etiquette Spokesperson Bill Boggs, today announced a city-wide campaign designed to promote courteous mobile phone use among the growing number of wireless users in the area. The topic of mobile phone courtesy has become part of a growing national discussion among influencers from etiquette experts to national newspaper and magazine editors. With support from Nokia, San Diego's Cell Phone Courtesy Campaign hopes to challenge the nation with suggested "mobile guidelines" to practice in this digital age.
As part of the Cell Phone Courtesy Campaign, Mayor Golding declared the week of July 10 "Cell Phone Courtesy Week" in San Diego, encouraging wireless users to "mind their mobile manners" while in public areas such as performing arts and movie theatres, classrooms, churches and synagogues, libraries, museums and restaurants.
Overwhelming response to a public opinion poll posted on the Mayor's Web site led Golding to launch the program. In December 1999, requests were sent to management of "public spaces" asking for voluntary participation in programs promoting courteous mobile phone usage. The second phase of the program includes a partnership with Nokia to introduce a visual reminder for the campaign with a logo identifying "Quiet Zones" - areas where courteous mobile phone use is requested. Displaying the "Quiet Zone" logo will provide public establishments with a polite reminder for patrons and guests to practice courteous mobile phone manners.
"The issue of cell phone courtesy has really become a hot-button among the people of San Diego. Many feel that cell phone usage in certain public areas has become very distracting, and they have vocalized their concerns," said Mayor Golding. "We are excited to lead the way with Nokia to encourage people to exercise polite cell phone manners, and would like to challenge other cities nationally to join our efforts toward a more courteous society."
A leader in the industry, Nokia was first to develop profile settings - quick change ringing settings to match different environments - all specifically designed for users to communicate anytime, without disturbing others. Courtesy options include: Silent and Vibrating Alert, Short Text Messaging, e-mail initiated messages and Microphone Enhancements.
"San Diego is a city traditionally known for being a U.S. trendsetter in social responsibility, and Nokia is proud to be partnered with Mayor Golding and San Diego in this courtesy campaign, said Larry Paulson, vice president, Nokia Mobile Phones. "As wireless phones become more of a personal accessory, Nokia wants to encourage its users to practice cell phone courtesy, and to become familiar with the features on their phones that are designed for courteous use."
In support for the courtesy campaign, Nokia and Mayor Golding have established five suggested guidelines for good mobile manners:
* The Person You are with is the Most Important Person To Talk To - Utilize the Caller ID feature for screening options. You may decide to let voice mail take the call and return the call at a more appropriate time.
* Use Text Messaging to Simplify Your Life - Are your expecting important information from a colleague but need to be in a public area? Ask them to send a text message to your phone.
* Change the Ringing Tones on Your Phone to Match the Environment You Are In - Use a loud ring for outdoors - but inside, use silent or vibrating options.
* Turn off Your Phone During Public Performances or While In Public Spaces - In certain public areas such as movie theatres, plays, churches, museums and libraries, talking can be disruptive and can violate basic courtesy. If you are expecting an important call, use text messaging.
* Don't Engage In Cell Yell - Most devices have sensitive microphones that can pick up even a whisper. There is no need to speak louder on your cell phone than you would on any other phone. Use your best judgment when in a cab, train or any other environment where you might subject a "captive" public to your conversations.
"The wireless phone industry believes advances in technology do not erase the need for respect and courtesy for others. I applaud Nokia for helping lead the way in educating phone users about the helpful tools available within many phones. This is a campaign in courtesy that would make a mother proud." said Tom Wheeler, President and CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association.
Today, wireless phones provide more than 94 million, or one in every three people in the U.S., with the freedom to communicate - whenever they want, wherever they want. According to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, an estimated 46,000 Americans become new wireless phone users daily. Experts estimate at this rate, there will be over 1 billion wireless phone users around the world by 2003. As the number of wireless phone users expands rapidly, courteous mobile phone use is becoming an increasingly popular social issue. Through this campaign, Nokia and the City of San Diego invite cities nationally to practice common courtesy when using a mobile phone.
Nokia employs nearly 600 people in San Diego and is proud to be at home in its new Product Creation Center (CDMA) after nearly a decade of being in the community. Nokia is paving the way to the Mobile Information Society with its innovative products and solutions. The company is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks, related services and multimedia terminals. In 1999, Nokia's net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 56, 000 people. Visit Nokia at www.nokia.com.
Here you can see the logo: http://press.nokia.com/pics/decal1.gif
For media information, please contact:
Denise Crew
Nokia Americas
Phone (Int.) + 1 650 625 2519
denise.crew@nokia.com
Ric Grenell
Mayor's Press Secretary
Phone (Int.) + 1 619 236 7066
Lauren Butler
Ketchum
Phone (Int.) + 1 404 879 9283
lauren.butler@ketchum.com