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Ringtones Newsletter - Issue 6
In this issue:
  • Main Article: The Year Behind, The Year Ahead
  • Customer Star of the Month: Debra Daniel
  • “Meet the Family” Photos from the AARP Convention
  • What’s New: Nokia 2680
  • Feature Focus: Bluetooth®
  • Your Questions Answered: How Do I Pair My Consumer Cellular Phone With a Bluetooth Headset?
  • In The News: Consumer Cellular Presents at UCLA Conference; Doro PhoneEasy 410 Earns “Very Good” Rating; The NY Times Covers the Doro Phones; John Marick’s Blog Published on AARP Site
  • Refer a Friend

Ringtones - Issue 6

The Year Behind, The Year Ahead

As you may already know, the month of “January” is named after the Roman god Janus, the doorway god famous for having two faces: one looking forward, the other looking back. We’ll soon be closing out the calendar year, so we thought it was as good a time as any to take a cue from Janus and reflect on what just transpired as well as talk briefly about what’s ahead.

Here at Consumer Cellular, 2009 has been truly a transformative year. A few highlights include:

  • New Products. We added the Nokia 2760, a pocketsize phone with advanced features, and the Nokia 2680, aka the “slide” phone, which is available in orange or purple. We also introduced the MOTO EM330 by Motorola, one of the most sound-friendly phones in the world. We were especially proud in October of this year to become the exclusive U.S. provider of two user-friendly phones: Doro EasyPhone 345 and Doro EasyPhone 410. These phones are easy to see and use, and if you have not checked them out, we encourage you to do so. Visit our phones page. You won’t be disappointed.
  • New Services. We launched new data services plans, such as Wireless Web Browsing, with access to simple services such as weather and sports results. On July 27, we increased the benefits of our voice, messaging and data plans — without increasing prices! We increased the number of minutes by 25 percent on the newly enhanced plans, adding more minutes to four of our six calling plans. We also rolled out a new web site, started our own YouTube channel with handy how-to videos for you, and created this newsletter, giving us more ways than ever to keep in touch with you.
  • New Honors. We were very pleased to be honored by Inc. Magazine as one of fastest growing private businesses in the nation. And the U.S. Postal Service 2009 gave us a Corporate Achievement Award this year, outscoring thousands of other US companies. In late October, we were honored to attend the AARP convention in Las Vegas and had a blast meeting so many customers and future customers.

What’s coming in 2010? Without revealing any competitive secrets, the next year looks even more promising. We have some fantastic plans, so keep your eyes focused on that doorway. You may be surprised. As always, if you wish to learn more about us or have questions, call 1-888-446-6133.

Star of the Month

 

Debra Daniel

A Consumer Cellular client since June 29, 2006, Debra Daniel is the general manager of a popular hotel in Dewey Beach, Delaware. For Debra, the hospitality business runs deep. Previously, she lived in Las Vegas where she worked at the Excalibur and opened up the Luxor and the Monte Carlo hotels. Eventually, she traded in her corporate hospitality attire for more relaxed flip-flops and shorts when she assumed her current general manager role.

Debra’s career choice might sound relaxing, but it’s far from stress-free. From April through September she works seven days a week and is always on her cell phone. She uses the same Motorola flip phone she received from Consumer Cellular three years ago when she started. “When I signed up, they gave me the phone, for free, and mailed it to me, for free. I’ve never had a problem with the phone. The battery is still like brand new and I’m on it all the time,” said Debra.
As one who does not like to be controlled by anything or anyone, Debra hated finding herself stuck in a long-term cell phone contract, running out of minutes or paying roaming fees. That’s when she discovered Consumer Cellular.

To read more Customer Star profiles, click here to check out previous issues of Ringtones. Or to watch a client-made testimonial video, visit our YouTube channel.

“Meet the Family” Goes to Las Vegas

You probably talk to these folks every now and then. So we thought it might be nice to introduce them to you. With that in mind, each issue will feature a different Consumer Cellular employee.

If you stopped by our booth at the recent AARP convention in Las Vegas, you had a chance to meet several members of the Consumer Cellular family. We received a steady stream of curious and excited visitors, who were greeted not just by friendly staff members but by a giant cell phone mascot as well. Booth visitors received a “goodies” bag, tried out phones and had a chance to ask questions from our experts.

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. We learned a lot at the convention, which will enable us to provide even better service. To see more photos, click here. And plan to join us next September 30-October 2 for AARP’s Orlando@50+ event

Your Question Answered

In each issue we ask our Support team to recommend—and answer—a commonly asked question about our products or services. In this issue, we have three short Q&As.

Q: I’m a Bluetooth first-timer and can’t wait to get started. How do I pair my new Doro phone with a Bluetooth headset?

A: We’re glad you let us know which phone you’re using since the directions vary depending on the phone’s manufacturer. The below instructions are for the Doro only; if you’re using a Nokia or Motorola phone, please see the Support section of our web site for phone-specific instructions.

To hook up your headset and Doro phone, first start with the headset:

  1. Press and hold the power key on your headset until the power light stays continuously lit.
  2. Your headset is ready.

Now we’ll set up the Doro phone to work with your headset:

  1. Press Menu and use the up and down arrow to scroll through your options.
  2. Find and select Settings.
  3. From Settings, select Bluetooth.
  4. Select Search Device.
  5. Select Search New.
  6. Select Bond.
  7. If a passcode is requested, enter 0000 and select Yes.

The phone sends you a confirmation tone to let you know it has been paired with the headset. You’re ready for hands free conversations!

For more quick answers to your questions, go to our Support section. Or call us at 1-888-446-6133.


What’s New

Nokia 2680

What’s purple or orange, or maybe even sometimes dark blue or gray, and slides? It’s not a frequently traded second baseman. It’s the Nokia 2680, a slide and dial phone that combines convenience and simplicity with a solid set of features.

Opening the 2680 is a breeze - just slide … and dial. Answering a call is even easier - just press the green phone on the outside and talk away. Taking a picture? Slide it open and use the built-in camera. There's room for 1,000 contacts in the phonebook. And Bluetooth® technology lets you talk hands free. The phone comes with a FREE accessory combo kit. All this and for only $20*. The Nokia 2680 is a great value, simple to use, and easy to master. Slide rules!

Key Features

  • Large, readable color display let’s you see who’s calling
  • Slide design protects keypad
  • Soft round back feels good in your hand
  • Bluetooth® connections for hands-free usage
  • FM Radio with radio recording
  • VGA camera
  • Wireless Web enabled
  • Dimensions and Details
    W: 1.85" D: .61" H: 3.9"
  • Weight: 3.33 oz
  • Battery life: up to 3.4 hours talk time / 17.5 days standby
  • Hearing aid compatibility: No

* Phone price after instant rebate, applied at time of purchase. Requires $35.00 activation fee. Phones are limited to stock on hand and may not be available in all areas.

Click here to learn more about the Nokia 2680 or call 1-888-446-6133.


Feature Focus

Bluetooth®

Bluetooth® technology, first developed in Scandinavia, enables electronic devices to communicate wirelessly; put another way, Bluetooth replaces cables. The word "Bluetooth" is taken from the 10th century Danish King Harald Bluetooth, who was known for uniting warring factions and, if the legend is true, for a smile the color of blueberries. One hopes he had a good dental plan.

For cell phone users, Bluetooth is becoming increasingly important because it facilitates hands-free cell phone usage. Many states currently ban driving while talking on a handheld cell phone, most notably the states of California and New York. Eighteen states ban text messaging for all drivers. Clearly, hands-free legislation is making its way across the nation

With the exception of the Motorola W259, all Consumer Cellular phones support Bluetooth technology. We also offer accessories, such as the LG Electronics HBM-760, an affordable, easy-to-use mono Bluetooth headset for hands-free communication. Even our Doro phones have Bluetooth!

To recap, Bluetooth technology is very handy and enables you to make and receive calls without doing much more than talking. It frees you from dealing with traditional headset tangled wires. And it makes conversations more audible. Best of all, Bluetooth, when applied to cell phones, can help reduce distracted driving and make our roads safer—or even just walking around the house.

Click here to see your phone accessories options or call 1-888-446-6133.


In The News

Consumer Cellular Presents at UCLA Conference on Technology and Aging

Consumer Cellular co-founder and CEO John Marick was a guest speaker at the recent UCLA Conference on Technology and Aging. John participated in a panel discussion about developing products designed to accommodate the special needs of the senior community. He shared several Consumer Cellular insights, including how seniors desire to use technology, prefer a contemporary look and style, are drawn to affordable solutions, and expect slight modifications to accommodate their needs. He also discussed key issues for seniors, from eye-sight and finger dexterity to hearing and adequate support. Joining John on the panel were principals from firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, an Internet marketing company specializing in products for seniors, and MyGait, computers designed for the 55+ user.

Doro PhoneEasy 410 Earns “Very Good” Rating

CNET recently tested the Doro PhoneEasy 410 and gave it high marks, assigning it a “very good” rating. The Doro 410 ranked higher than the Jitterbug J as one of the best senior-friendly phones on the market. The full product review is available here.

The NY Times Covers the Doro Phones

In the category of the hits keep coming, “Gadgetwise,” The New York Times personal technology column published some very nice words about the Doro phones as well in their November 3, 2009 column. Read more.

John Marick’s Blog Published on AARP Site

Did you know John Marick is a regular contributor to the AARP Wireless Forum? His blog contains useful tips and tricks for seniors using cell phones. To see his latest comments, visit his blog.

Refer a Friend, Earn Ten
Put $10 in Your Pocket! --That's what you'll do every time you refer someone who signs up with Consumer Cellular. And they'll be happy, too. Not only will they get cell service at great rates, they'll also get a $10 credit on their first bill. Each $10 credit is our way of saying "Thank You!" for telling friends and family about Consumer Cellular.

Spread the word and share the wealth. Click here to email a friend now.

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