The ability to connect almost anywhere with anyone has made cell phones an extremely popular communication medium. On the busy streets of Los Angeles to the farm lands, cell phones are popping up everywhere as the essential communication technology to own next to a computer.

According to statistics from the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, there were 76.2 million cell phone users in America as of June 1999. And, in 2000, the overall cellular industry grew by 248.6 million subscribers, a 52% increase from the end of 1999.

Although they are a vital tool for the busy professional who's always on the road, cell phones can be a nuisance, too. The proliferation of cell phones was the biggest communication-related nuisance of the 90s - users with little or no manners. This situation is continuing into the Millennium, and will keep increasing until users start practicing some common courtesies.

Everywhere you turn, someone is speaking into a cell phone or one is ringing. It's gotten so bad that you can't even enjoy a nice evening out in a restaurant without hearing a phone ring or unintentionally overhearing another dinner patron's conversation.

There are also increasing safety-related concerns over cell phone use, as more people get into accidents when driving and talking on them. More states are considering - or have passed -- legislation to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving.

Theatre-goers in New York have reached new levels of insensitivity - disrupting live performances of plays to take and make cell phone calls. Even the actors have had enough - some have broken from character, turned to face the audience and singled out cell phone abusers. When actor Laurence Fishburne had heard enough ringing-related interruptions during his live performance, he actually turned and scolded at the cell phone owner. The audience burst into applause.

It's obvious, then, that people's tolerance levels toward cell phone abuse is falling.
So, what can be done? Educating users that the rules of communication etiquette and common sense also apply to cell phones.

Cell Phone Etiquette 101

Just like other modern technologies that make our lives more convenient, there are certain protocols to follow concerning the use of cell phones:

• Do not use a cell phone in public places where it will disturb others (meetings, elevators, restaurants, theaters, buses, trains, planes, etc.), or where they can overhear your private information or confidential company statistics.

A recent survey of 2,628 Americans cited in USA Today and conducted by SBC Communications (owners of cell phone companies Pacific Bell Wireless and Cellular One) stated that 86% of people said using a cell phone over dinner is a breach of etiquette. Another 88% said it would be inappropriate in a meeting, and a whopping 96% said cell phone use during a movie is poor manners.

• Remember that cell phone lines themselves aren't always private - other cell phone users may be able to listen on the same channels. Sensitive client or personal information should not be discussed over a cell phone.
• It's bad etiquette to call other people on their cell phones without permission - they are charged for use.
• The last point to remember about using cell phones is safety-related. Cell phone use while in a car can be dangerous. Country singer George Jones can attest to this. He was lucky enough to survive a bad accident that happened because he was on the cell phone and lost control of his car.

Although modern technology makes our lives easier - cell phones included - it never is an excuse for poor manners. Perhaps the best plan here is to default to social etiquette - remembering what your grandparents and mom always said: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Copyright 2006 Marjorie Brody and Brody Communications Ltd. Marjorie Brody, MA, CSP, CMC, is founder and fearless leader of Brody Communications Ltd. in Jenkintown, PA, and an executive coach. She helps individuals and corporations achieve their potential by strengthening their professionalism, persuasiveness and presence. Marjorie has presented to more than 1,000 audiences, and is the author of 15 books, including Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move?, Speaking is an Audience-Centered Sport, and Professional Impressions … Etiquette for Everyone, Every Day. She has appeared on CNBC several times, Fox-TV, Oxygen Network, and been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, People, BusinessWeek, Fortune and many other national publications. Marjorie can be reached at 800-726-7936, or by visiting www.MarjorieBrody.com .To sign up for her free quarterly newsletter, go to www.BrodyCommunications.com .