Cellular Phones Go Mainstream

Dallas, Texas, June 27, 1997

Consumers are changing the way cellular phones are used as they learn about the safety and convenience that wireless communications provide. Just a few years ago, more than 50 percent of cellular calls were business related; today, that figure has fallen to less than 40 percent. Among people planning to buy a cellular phone, 90 percent said personal security was a major reason, and listed convenience and more efficiency with work and home projects as other important factors.*

According to studies conducted by Southwestern Bell, among Hispanics, easy access to family members, easy access, safety and convenience are the primary reasons for obtaining cellular service. The convenience of being able to communicate at all times from any place with loved ones is a high priority.

In general, safety ranks high on the list of most popular cellular phone applications, especially for women. Working women, carpooling mothers -- women motorists in general -- appreciate the peace of mind that comes from having instant phone access to the police, family or a child's school. Adding to this sense of security is the fact that, in most areas, 9-1-1 cellular calls are free.

Increasingly, cellular phones are also being used as crime prevention tools. Organized neighborhood watch groups trained and equipped with cell phones are working with law enforcement in communities across America to curb crime and raise public safety awareness. Such efforts are uniting communities, fostering goodwill among neighbors, and creating secure environments for families.

Even in the business world, where cellular phones first made their impact, new innovations in wireless communication continue to change the way people work. Thanks to recent advances, the home office is rapidly becoming a mobile office. Sending and receiving data via cellular modem or fax machine is becoming a popular means of staying in-touch and informed.

Whether it's easier access, safety concerns or convenience, customers are no longer viewing wireless communications as a luxury -- increasingly, it is becoming a necessity.

Southwestern Bell Wireless, together with its affiliates operating under the Cellular One and Pacific Bell Mobile Services brands, is a leading wireless provider serving customers in 78 markets nationwide. It is a company of SBC Communications Inc., an international leader in the telecommunications industry, with more than 31 million access lines and 4.7 million wireless customers across the United States, as well as investments in telecommunications businesses in nine countries. Under the Southwestern Bell, Pacific Bell, Nevada Bell and Cellular One brands, the company, through its subsidiaries, offers a wide range of innovative services, including local and long-distance telephone service, wireless communications, paging, Internet access, cable TV and messaging, as well as telecommunications equipment, and directory advertising and publishing. SBC (www.sbc.com) has approximately 110,000 employees. SBC and Pacific Telesis Group reported combined 1996 revenues of $23.5 billion.

*Source: Cellular Trade Industry Association