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Dobson Cellular Partners with COTA
Encourages Emergency Information on Wireless Phones


OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (July 28, 2005) Dobson Cellular Systems (NASDAQ:DCS) is partnering with a national children’s charity to encourage wireless telephone users to store emergency contact and organ donor information on their wireless telephones.

In the wake of recent terrorist bombings in London, international emergency officials have suggested wireless users program an emergency contact number in their wireless phone book under the acronym ICE (In Case of Emergency.) If an emergency or medical situation arose, paramedics could search the victim’s phone for ICE listings and call the number to notify loved ones or even obtain medical histories.

Dobson Cellular, along with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), is asking its customers to take the measure one step further and program “ICE DONOR” in their cellular phonebook to signify that they are an organ donor.

“This is one more way a person can make his or her wishes regarding organ donation known,” said Rick Lofgren, president of Indiana-based COTA, which helps raise money and awareness of organ transplants for children. “With so many people waiting for life saving transplants, we’re encouraged this may help save lives.”

Dobson, which operates more than 65 markets in 16 states, will work with local emergency personnel in its markets to help raise awareness of the program, according to spokesman Craig Davis.

Source: Dobson (dobson.net)