[StBernard] Cingular offers free cell phones to Katrina victims

[Westley Annis]

Cingular offers free cell phones to Katrina victims

NEW ORLEANS - Cingular Wireless today announced its participation in a
temporary program established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
to provide free wireless phones and service to people affected by Hurricane
Katrina. 

"It's critical for those most affected by Hurricane Katrina to have
affordable communications service as they get their lives back in order,"
said Joe Larussa, vice president and general manager for Cingular's
Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama/NW Florida region. "We commend the FCC for
creating this program and are happy to participate in it." 

Cingular's Hurricane Katrina Lifeline Package, available beginning today,
provides eligible consumers with several options: 
- Those who are not current Cingular customers may receive a new Nokia 6010
phone for free along with a $76 credit (more than 300 minutes of airtime)
for GoPhone pay-as-you-go service. 
- Current Cingular subscribers may choose one of the following: a $130
credit towards an existing postpaid single line or Family Talk account; a
$130 credit towards GoPhone pay-as-you-go service; or a new Nokia 6010 phone
for free along with a $76 credit for GoPhone pay-as-you-go service. 

Participating consumers do not need to make a contractual commitment to
Cingular, and they may purchase additional minutes of use at their
discretion. 

To qualify for Cingular's Hurricane Katrina Lifeline Package, consumers must
meet eligibility requirements established by the FCC. In brief: 
- Individuals must be designated as eligible or approved by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive individual housing assistance
related to Hurricane Katrina without a requirement to repay; 
- Individuals must have resided in specific counties or parishes within
Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana at the time of Hurricane Katrina; 
- Individuals must be the head of household; and 
- They must only receive one Lifeline package per household. 

Additional information, including eligibility requirement details and an
application, are available at www.cingular.com/katrina_lifeline.
Applications may also be obtained and submitted at Cingular retail
locations. The company will accept applications through March 1, 2006.