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CTIA-The Wireless Association® "Wonder of Wireless" Focuses on Benefits of Wireless E-911

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At the core, wireless technology is a public safety tool that provides people with peace-of-mind knowing their loved ones can be reached and that they can call for emergency assistance anytime, anywhere. More than 300,000 wireless calls are made to emergency call centers every day, and as that number continues to grow, the importance of wireless in times of crisis also increases. CTIA-The Wireless Association's "Wonder of Wireless' (WOW) August webcast and blog (http://blog.ctia.org) highlight the importance of and the wireless industry's commitment to E-911 applications and services. It explains what's happening to the 911 funds that are supposed to pay for the next generation of public safety communications, and showcases the public safety community's perspective on the development of new services and funding, and the importance of appropriate use of funds collected in fees from consumers. Unfortunately, some states are misusing the 911 funds that wireless customers dutifully pay every month to pay for emergency equipment, and the August WOW underscores the importance of using those funds for their intended purpose, which is assisting first responders to better provide their critically needed service.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110630/MM28614LOGO-b )

In this month's Wireless at Work, CTIA talks with iMap and Skype about how their applications continue to enhance the lives of wireless users by providing services that keep people in touch and aware of dangerous situations. These mobile applications help wireless users stay alert about severe weather and stay in contact with friends and family members in different places and situations.

The August Industry Insider features the National Emergency Number Association CEO Brian Fontes, who discusses the modernization of 911 services and funding for the services as wireless capabilities continue to grow.

Wireless consumers are continuing to be offered improved services such as E-911 that provide people with access to the help they need, regardless of their location. In this month's Policy Point, CTIA focuses on how wireless carriers provide E-911 services to their customers and how many state and local governments are misusing the E-911 funds they've collected from their citizens.

Finally, the August Wireless Lifesaver features twelve-year-old Joey LaMountain who used a cellphone to call for help after noticing a manatee stuck and tangled in a buoy while kayaking on the Orange River near the Manatee Park in Fort Meyers, Florida. Rescuers were able to untangle the manatee and rehab it back to health before releasing the manatee back into the ocean.

To watch the August WOW webcast, please visit: http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/wow/index.cfm/2011/08/ .

CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, DC.

SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association