CTIA-The Wireless Association® Focuses on International Wireless Use in March's "Wonder of Wireless"

WASHINGTON, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As millions of Americans who have traveled internationally know, using their wireless devices on their trips is easy with some simple planning. In the March edition of the "Wonder of Wireless" (WOW) webcast and blog (http://blog.ctia.org), CTIA-The Wireless Association® highlights international wireless use and tips to consider before taking mobile devices on a trip abroad. As a rule of thumb, if you need your passport, it is a good idea to contact your carrier to discuss international service and devices so your wireless needs are met throughout your trip.

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This month's WOW includes the following features:  

• INSIDER INTERVIEW – Paulius Lukauskas, Managing Director of Enterprise Lithuania, discusses reasons why the relatively small country has such an impressive wireless penetration rate (1.5 devices per person, highest in Europe), the country's extensive wireless build-out and the factors behind its prominent stature in wireless development. Lukauskas also says that Lithuania makes an ideal place to conduct mobile business because its wireless companies have an educated workforce, the country has an excellent broadband infrastructure and it is geographically central to markets in Europe and the former Soviet Union.
• POLICY POINT – With millions of wireless consumers traveling internationally each year, many choose to bring their mobile devices on their trips. Prior to traveling abroad with your device, CTIA recommends you take several steps before you leave to ensure you have a successful wireless experience. Remember, if you need a passport where you're going, it's a good idea to contact your carrier to discuss international service and devices.                                                     
• WIRELESS AT WORK – Hold-Free Networks CEO Lance Fried says that you don't have to wait on hold to talk to a customer service representative again. By using your smartphone to call for customer service, the Hold-Free app will provide your account details to the company so they can call you on your wireless device when they're prepared to answer your questions. Whether it's travel, insurance, cable or another kind of company, Fried says that his Hold-Free app makes calling customer service more dignified and more convenient.
• WIRELESS LIFESAVER – Wireless proved to be an invaluable tool after the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Videographer Dan Wooley was working on a film project when the earthquake struck, pinning him in a collapsed building for several days. An app on Dan's iPhone gave him the crucial first aid information that ended up saving his injured leg and possibly his life. Providing assistance in the disaster relief effort following the earthquake, Coast Guard Auxiliary's Ryan Bank worked with Haitian wireless carriers, a non-governmental organization and the U.S. State Department to create an SMS short code so Haitians could text for assistance.

To watch the March WOW webcast, please visit: http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/wow/index.cfm/2012/03/.  

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, D.C.

SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association