Mayor’s Literacy Movement Gets High Technology Boost With Donation of Cricket Broadband Internet Service
Rochester – November 27, 2008 – Rochester families learning reading and writing skills with AmeriCorps VISTA will now have a leg up. Cricket Communications, Inc, a leading provider of unlimited wireless services, has donated Cricket Broadband wireless Internet service to VISTA volunteers in support of the Rochester Literacy Movement. Cricket recently launched its Broadband service in Rochester, providing residents with a new option for high-speed wireless Internet access – anywhere in Cricket coverage areas, on any laptop or desktop computer.
The Rochester Literacy Movement reflects Mayor Robert J. Duffy’s vision for Rochester to be the most literate mid-sized city in the country. Working with the Rochester Public Library, VISTA volunteers develop partnerships with community organizations and carry out literacy-based programs in branch libraries. As part of that work, they attend community meetings and conduct presentations to promote literacy. Cricket Broadband service will provide VISTA members with several benefits:
• The ability to familiarize community groups and members with the online card-catalog system
• Demonstration of advanced features such as downloadable audio and print books and use educational websites to get people excited about reading
• Internally, volunteers will have access to the literacy program’s Intranet, databases and email services
Rochester Chief of Staff Jean Howard, who leads the Literacy Movement, said that the Cricket Broadband service will be a big help to volunteers by giving them high-speed wireless Internet access wherever they are in the Rochester area.
“We greatly appreciate Cricket’s donation of this valuable service to the City of Rochester AmeriCorps VISTA members,” Howard said. “Our volunteers are making great strides in developing the literacy program, and unlimited wireless Internet access will enable them to take their efforts even further.”
In addition to Cricket’s partnership with the City of Rochester, Cricket District Director Ed Kosmoski said that Cricket Broadband service will strongly support Rochester city residents – a population that is currently underserved, and where the majority of Cricket customers reside.
“Last year, VISTA members received Cricket cell phone service upon our launch into Rochester, and we’re thrilled to continue to show our support for the Rochester Literacy Movement through the donation of the Cricket Broadband Internet service,” Kosmoski said. “Additionally, we think our customers are going to appreciate a lower cost wireless Internet option that provides them with a great service and mobility.”
About Cricket Broadband: High-speed Internet access at a low price
As with Cricket’s cell-phone plans, Cricket Broadband customers never have to sign a contract to take advantage of the unlimited monthly access. The service costs $35 per month for existing Cricket mobile phone customers and $40 per month as a standalone service, a price nearly 50 percent less than other wireless broadband providers. The service works on the UTStarcom UM100C tri-band USB modem, which is compatible with Mac and PC laptops or desktop computers – anything with a USB port. It is available for $59 after rebates.
Cricket’s network relies on the power of the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network, which provides customers with average download speeds of 400-700 Kbps and average upload speeds of 40-60 Kbps, plus the mobility to use it from home, work or on the go. Visit www.mycricket.com for more information.
About Cricket®
Cricket is a simple, affordable wireless service offering consumers and local businesses a flat-rate unlimited service over the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network. Designed for customers whose basic and advanced wireless needs have not been met by traditional communications companies, Cricket is the pioneer of unlimited services with no long-term commitments or credit checks required. Cricket offers customers access to a variety of the latest devices and feature-rich mobile applications such as unlimited text, instant and picture messaging, Mobile Web, popular games, ringtones and wallpapers. For more information on Cricket, visit www.mycricket.com. Cricket services are offered by Leap Wireless International, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information on Leap, visit www.leapwireless.com.
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