Some Mobile Manners

The mobiles industry wants as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits
of mobile telecommunications and encourages individuals to use their mobile
phones in a responsible manner and to be considerate and aware of situations
where using their mobile phone might annoy others.

1. When in doubt, always go out

When possible go outside or to another room to make your call if your call
might disturb others. Also, features such as text messaging answering
services, call diversion and vibration alert can be used to receive important
calls without disturbing others.

2. If you can't turn it off, use silent mode

If you need to keep your phone on for important calls, then turn it to silent or
vibrate mode. It's the ring of a mobile phone in inappropriate places and times
such as at the tennis or in restaurants which annoys people the most.

3. When required turn your phone off and
check it's off

There are some places where people should never talk on a mobile phone
or send text messages and where the ringing of a mobile phone or message
alert is considered highly unacceptable, such as: movies, stage shows,
weddings, funerals, concerts, speeches, classrooms and lectures. In these
cases, turn your phone off and remember to check it's off before you enter the
venue. You can always check your voicemail, text messages or your answering
service afterwards.

4. Keep your conversations private

People's sense of personal space varies in each situation. Making a call in a
busy place may be okay, but talking loudly in a confined space like a lift or on
a train tends to infringe on others personal space. Be aware of where you are
and who you are with and what others are doing before deciding to make or
accept a call. In some situations it might be better to send a text message.

5. Speak softly

Mobile phones have very sensitive microphones that can pick even the softest
voice, so there is no need to shout. If you are having trouble hearing the other
caller, check that you have the volume on your phone set high enough.

6. You don't always have to answer- use your
messaging service

It's a natural reflex to answer your phone if it rings, however, if you forget to
put your phone on silent or vibrate mode and it rings at an inappropriate
moment, send the call to voice mail or your answering service
(usually by pressing the hang-up key).

7. Talk to the one you're with

If you receive a call during a conversation, send the call to your voicemail
or answering service. Your first priority should be to the person you are with.
However, if you are expecting an important call let the person you're with
know before the call arrives and excuse yourself before accepting the call.

8. Don't send inappropriate messages

Messaging is a great way to communicate, but don't send offensive or
threatening text, voice, picture or any other sort of message, because
it is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace or harass
someone. Also receivers can save messages and easily identify you
as the sender.


9. Respect others' privacy when using
in-phone cameras

In-phone cameras shouldn't be used anywhere a normal camera would
be considered inappropriate, such as in change rooms or toilets. You
should ask for permission before you take someone's picture. Also bear
in mind that some venues do not allow the use of cameras and may
refuse entry to anyone with one.

10. Ban the ring: not the phone

Wherever conversations are normally acceptable, venues can help by
asking people to turn their phones to silent or vibrate mode rather than
turning it off. This approach will help with compliance, especially for
people who need their phone for important calls. Venues can also
assist by reminding people to set their phones to silent mode,
before they enter.

source: taman2syurga