For Immediate Release
	November 21, 2002
	Contact: Carol McKay
	202-835-3323 ext.114
	media@nclnet.org

‘Tis the Season for “Cell”ebration

NCL Urges Consumers to Go Wireless Wisely This Holiday Season 

Washington , DC —With the wireless industry’s predictions of a cheerful fourth quarter, and sales expected to far outshine last year’s holiday season, the National Consumers League (NCL) is urging consumers to do their homework before purchasing cellular phones and wireless service this winter. With a handful of new handset features introduced just in time for holiday-gift giving—including digital camera attachments and higher-level graphic, color video games—potential cellphone customers have a variety of new options. NCL warns consumers not to be blinded by fancy new features. Because cellular service providers constantly change their calling plans and features, and service varies from company to company, consumers need to read the fine print and ask the right questions.

“Consumers need to ask themselves how, when, and where the phones will be used before they begin shopping around,” said Susan Grant, NCL vice president, explaining that a service contract or particular set of features that’s right for one person might not make sense at all for someone else. “All cellphone users have individual needs and budgets,” explained Grant. 

            Grant urges consumers to read the fine print and understand the pricing on various options before signing a contract. Internet service and text messaging are becoming increasingly popular, but the charges can add up, especially if they are assessed separately from the “buckets” of minutes that consumers often buy for talk time. With an assortment of new services offered—such as wireless access to email and other multimedia messaging—costs vary widely, both among different carriers, and within one carrier’s different plans.

NCL launched a new campaign today to help educate consumers about making smart choices when choosing wireless phones and service. The project was made possible with an unrestricted educational grant from Sprint. Consumers can learn more at www.nclnet.org/phonesandutilities. To obtain a copy of NCL’s new brochure, “Going Wireless: A Consumer Guide to Choosing Cellular Service,” send a request with a self-addressed stamped envelope to NCL, 1701 K St, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006.

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America 's pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to identify, protect, represent, and advance the economic and social interests of consumers and workers. NCL is a private, nonprofit membership organization. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

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