Cellular Telephone Users Unite to Bargain for Rates

SAN FRANCISCO --- Cellular Telephone Users Unite to Bargain for Rates as They
Gain Freedom to Keep Their Numbers When Switching Carriers

9/25/2003 @ 8:42 AM

Now that cell phone users can change providers without losing their phone
numbers, effective November 24, they are organizing to use collective buying
power to negotiate better rates.

The Cellular Telephone Users Alliance Inc. (CTUA) will bargain on behalf
of its members. Cell phone users can join the alliance at no charge at
www.ctua.org.

"Cellular service providers are spending up to $300 a person in marketing
and advertising just to attract and sign up a customer," says Patrick Riley,
one of the founders of CTUA. "We will deliver maybe a million customers at
once in return for a much lower rate."

Prior to the new legislation, cellular telephone users were reluctant to
change providers because it would mean having to notify everyone in their
personal and business world of their new number, not to mention reprinting
business cards, Riley says.

CTUA plans to negotiate with all major cellular providers representing
the collective interests of its members. The alliance promises not to use
member information for any other purpose.

At the time a CTUA-negotiated rate for the member's area and preferences
is announced, members will have the opportunity to take advantage of the
rate with no financial obligation unless the member opts to be included in
the CTUA-negotiated rate.

In addition, CTUA plans to represent the collective interests of its
members in issues before Congress, the FCC and other federal agencies.

"While mobile telephone companies are constantly devising plans to retain
current customers by increasing costs to switch carriers and by increasing
contract length, our mission is to benefit the consumer by using the
negotiating power of a large group," added Riley.