Ever since Mr. Bell created virtually instantaneous voice communication over long distances, we've searched for ways to make the telephone both simpler and more powerful. Enter cellular phones, which have one huge advantage over the traditional telephone: they operate without wires. No more "leash." We can now keep in touch wherever we are, whenever we want. Thanks to wireless technology, personal communications means having flexibility, accessibility, and freedom.

In 2006 there were approximately 220 million wireless subscribers in the United States, according to a survey by the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA), and there will be more wireless communications options in the future. During the past few years, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has auctioned off new wireless frequencies, which will bring additional wireless services to cities and towns across the United States.

Since arriving on the scene, cellular phones have won public acceptance more quickly than any other consumer electronic product in history, including color and cable TV, fax machines, and videocassette recorders. Tens of thousands of new customers sign up every day.

Convenience is the number one reason more and more people are signing up for cellular service. Many of America's best-known companies depend on wireless technology to help keep things running smoothly. United Parcel Service, for example, has equipped 70,000 drivers with an electronic "clipboard" that blends wireless and computer technology. Every time the driver puts the clipboard back into its specially designed carrying slot inside the delivery truck, UPS headquarters automatically receives data through a cellular link. Considering the fact that UPS handles more than three billion packages every year, it's easy to understand why up-to-the-minute delivery information is so critical.

Other companies with large sales forces, such as Xerox, IBM, and Coldwell Banker, also use wireless technology to enhance their customer service. All agree that cellular service has made for satisfied customers. In addition, a significant number of smaller companies have embraced wireless to help maximize their ability to respond quickly to customers' needs and requests.

To determine whether you would find wireless services useful in your work and in your personal life, ask yourself the following questions:

• Have you ever needed to maintain contact with your office while traveling between appointments?
• Have you ever wished there were some way your spouse or children could reach you no matter where you are?
• Have you ever been unable to find a pay phone or become impatient waiting to use a pay phone?
• Have you ever needed to call a customer, colleague, or friend to say you're on your way, but will be a few minutes late?
• Have you ever thought how much you could get done on the telephone while sitting in traffic?
• Have you ever wanted to call home while on your way there, but stopping to place a call was not practical?
• Have you ever had car trouble and needed to call for help?
• Have you ever wished you could be in two places at one time?
• Do your business associates or family tell you that you're difficult to reach away from the office?

If you answered, "yes" to one or more questions, then you may be an excellent candidate for cellular phone service. For more information, read the Federal Citizen Information Center article Going Wireless: A Consumer Guide To Choosing Cellular Service.

If you are still not sure whether you want or need cellular phone service, read our related articles listed in the CareOne Credit Knowledge Center Library.

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