San Francisco, CA (April 18, 2000) — A scientific poll conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide found that more than half of Americans refused to use their cell phones in movies, restaurants or restrooms. The study, commissioned by online wireless retailer LetsTalk.com, also found that more than half of Americans find it acceptable to use their cell phones while on public transportation, in the supermarket or while driving a car.
Americans said the following about how to use their cell phones:
At the movies or in a theater
57% Turn their cell phone off
30% Turn the normal ringer off, and let voice mail take the call
7% Keep the phone and ringer on and take the call
4% Turn the normal ringer off, but answer incoming calls
2% Don't know/Refused
In a restaurant
43% Turn their cell phone off
24% Turn the normal ringer off, and let voice mail take the call
9% Turn the normal ringer off, but answer incoming calls
22% Keep the phone and ringer on and take the call
1% Don't know/Refused
In the bathroom
44% Turn their cell phone off
15% Turn the normal ringer off, and let voice mail take the call
3% Turn the normal ringer off, but answer incoming calls
36% Keep the phone and ringer on and take the call
2% Don't know/Refused
In the car
73% Keep the phone and ringer on and take the call
12% Turn their cell phone off
11% Turn the normal ringer off, and let voice mail take the call
3% Turn the normal ringer off, but answer incoming calls
2% Don't know/Refused
In the supermarket
56% Keep the phone and ringer on and take the call
29% Turn their cell phone off
9% Turn the normal ringer off, and let voice mail take the call
4% Turn the normal ringer off, but answer incoming calls
1% Don't know/Refused
On public transportation
50% Keep the phone and ringer on and take the call
31% Turn their cell phone off
12% Turn the normal ringer off, and let voice mail take the call
2% Turn the normal ringer off, but answer incoming calls
3% Don't know/Refused
LetsTalk.com is conducting a live person-on-the-street poll in Washington DC and Atlanta on April 19, 20 and 22, 2000, to develop the "definitive" Cell Phone Etiquette Bill of Rights -- for Americans by Americans. The Cell Phone Bill of Rights will be posted on www.LetsTalk.com on May 2, 2000. Uncle Cell, a fictional character resembling Uncle Sam, will conduct the on-the-street polling.
About LetsTalk.com
LetsTalk.com is a customer-friendly place to research and purchase wireless products and services online. As a trusted wireless expert, LetsTalk.com simplifies complex communications decisions so consumers and business customers can easily choose, buy, and use customized products and solutions to meet their individual needs. LetsTalk.com is the first wireless retailer to offer free product customization through its state-of-the-art activation center. The service provides fully activated, pre-programmed and charged wireless phones based on customers' specifications.
