Metrophone and Cellular One Labor Day Travel Tips: Safety In Numbers; One-third of Wireless Users Don't Know Their Wireless Phone Number.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 1999--

With 33 million people expected to travel during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, many of whom will be driving to the Shore or the Pocono's, it's likely some vacationers will run into problems along the way. When unexpected events cause careful plans to go awry, it's vital to let loved ones know what has happened, and have the ability to call for help if necessary.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) encourages travelers to take a wireless phone along to enhance personal safety, and Metrophone and Cellular One encourage wireless users to make sure they know the following phone numbers before traveling this Labor Day:

-- 9-1-1: More than 98,000 calls are made to 9-1-1 from wireless phones each day. This free wireless call can help save lives and provide law enforcement with vital on-the-scene information. Many wireless phones also make this easy by allowing you to program your phone to dial 9-1-1 with the touch of one button.

-- Wireless Phone Number: One-third of wireless phone users don't know their own wireless phone number, according to a recent Yankee Group survey. While wireless callers may be able to reach friends, family or emergency services, they may realize they're unable to give them a call-back number. Fortunately, some wireless phones automatically display the phone's number when turned on, or allow the phone number to be recalled.

-- Destination Phone Number: Program your final destination's phone number into your wireless phone for easy and safe dialing, whether it's a hotel's 800 number or a friend's home number. Your flight may be late or you may discover you're lost while driving, and being able to quickly call for alternate check-in times or get directions, will help keep you on track.

-- Roadside Assistance Phone Numbers: If you're driving to your destination, knowing the number of your roadside assistance services can save precious vacation time and your blood pressure! Metrophone and Cellular One offer a Roadside Connect service that you can reach simply by dialing *411 on your wireless phone. You can also call the American Automobile Association by dialing *AAA.

-- Local Highway Assistance Numbers: Local highway authorities can be reached by dialing their "pound" or "star" number on your wireless phone. *11 for the Pennsylvania Turnpike, #95 for the New Jersey Turnpike, #77 for Delaware DELDOT, and #211 for SmartTraveler, which provides assistance on more than 20 Delaware Valley Highways and offers airport updates.

Jeff Tottleben, president and general manager for Metrophone of Pennsylvania and Cellular One of Delaware and New Jersey, says, "Nearly 50 percent of consumers buy wireless services for safety, security and peace of mind. Taking the time to make sure you know a few simple phone numbers allows wireless phones to provide those benefits."