CTIA Announces National Wireless Safety Week Will Open Monday, June 19 with VITA Achievement Dinner; Wireless Industry to Hold Safety-Focused Events Throughout June 19-23.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- CTIA-The Wireless Association(R) and its member companies announced National Wireless Safety Week 2006 kicks off Monday, June 19. Partnering with wireless carriers and manufacturers, this weeklong effort seeks to highlight the significant role wireless technology plays in enhancing public and personal safety.

"With more than 214 million wireless subscribers in the U.S. today, we have an unbelievable opportunity to put this innovative technology to good use," said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA. "Since 1990, the wireless industry has joined together in sponsoring National Wireless Safety Week to focus attention on the important issue of public safety. This year, we want to remind Americans to not only act responsibly when using their wireless device, but to take responsibility and use their phones to help someone else in need."

Opening National Wireless Safety Week 2006 is the 2006 VITA(TM) Achievement Awards Dinner honoring wireless industry leaders, Members of Congress, FCC leadership and key Hill staff for their efforts in promoting wireless technology as a vital safety tool. This prestigious evening will recognize seven Wireless Samaritans who have used wireless technology in extraordinary circumstances to save lives or fight crime.

On Wednesday, June 21, CTIA, the Wireless Foundation and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) will hold a press conference with Governor Timothy Kaine of Virginia urging Virginia residents to play an important role in reuniting abducted children with their families by signing up to receive a free Wireless AMBER Alert(TM) text message on their wireless device. The event with Governor Kaine is one of many state outreach initiatives in process since the recent launch of a new PSA campaign that aims to save more kids by adding one million subscribers to Wireless AMBER Alerts(TM) in 2006.

Throughout the rest of the week, leaders from the wireless industry will participate in a variety of events and programs around the country highlighting the safe use of wireless technology. Whether behind the wheel or packing for an upcoming summer vacation, CTIA and its member companies encourage wireless consumers to be responsible and remember that when it comes to wireless, safety is your most important call.

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.

www.ctia.org