Video: Cricket Unveiled World’s Largest Working Cell Phone in Chicago

~Chicagoans Invited to Make Unlimited, Free Calls and Texts on the Guinness World Record-Breaking Samsung Phone~

CHIGAGO, March 11 /PRNewswire/ — Cricket, a leading provider of unlimited wireless services, and Samsung Telecommunications America, (Samsung Mobile) a leading mobile phone distributor in the U.S., unveiled the world’s largest working cell phone today in Pioneer Court in downtown Chicago. The phone is a working replica of a Samsung Messager(TM) phone. The phone is approximately 15 feet long, 13 feet high and 3 feet deep. Cricket invites all Chicagoans to visit Pioneer Court and make unlimited, free phone calls and texts on the life-size Samsung Messager through March 15.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/cricket/37233/

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090311/NY82019 )

“Bringing the world’s largest working cell phone to one of the world’s greatest cities is an exciting way for us to celebrate offering Cricket service in Chicago,” said John Noelker, Midwest regional vice president for Cricket. “Providing free, unlimited calls on the world’s largest working cell phone is another way Cricket is delivering unmatched value to the people of this great city.”

A Guinness World Records(R) representative will be on hand to certify the record-breaking phone. To celebrate the event, Cricket and Samsung Mobile will also offer interactive activities onsite including a texting challenge, video booth and a display area featuring Cricket and Samsung Mobile products.

“We are excited to recognize the world’s largest working cell phone from Cricket and Samsung Mobile as a new Guinness World Record,” said Danny Girton, Jr., Guinness World Records adjudication executive. “As this was a successful first record attempt, it is a tremendous accomplishment and we are delighted to welcome them into the Guinness World Records family.”

“The QWERTY keyboard on the Samsung Messager(TM) makes text messaging easy and it is the perfect device to use as the world’s largest working cell phone,” said Bobby Billman, vice president of marketing for Samsung Telecommunications America. “Samsung Mobile is excited to be a part of this record breaking event, and give Chicagoans the chance to see Samsung’s latest products.”

The Messager is equipped with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, built-in 1.3-megapixel digital camera and MP3 player, as well as a variety of downloadable applications and games. Available in navy blue and green, the Samsung Messager features multiple Bluetooth profiles, including stereo Bluetooth and file transfer capabilities for easy file and object exchange. The phone also includes a MicroSD slot for a removable memory card that allows customers to easily store their favorite music and photos. The Samsung Messager is sold at Cricket stores throughout the U.S. Visit www.mycricket.com for more information.

The world’s largest working cell phone is part of Cricket’s launch in Chicago. By March 17, Cricket products and services will be available in 26 retail stores and 650 dealer locations in the Chicagoland area. Cricket brings a new option for simple and affordable wireless services to Chicagoland by offering unlimited wireless services at a predictable flat rate, and does not require long term contracts or credit checks. Cricket service includes unlimited anytime minutes, U.S. long distance, text and picture messaging, text to Mexico, Mobile Web and directory assistance, with rate plans ranging from $30 to $60 per month.

For more information about the world’s largest working cell phone, rate plans or the Chicago launch, please visit a local Cricket retail location, or visit www.getsomerespekt.com. For more information on the Samsung Messager or other mobile devices, visit www.samsungwireless.com.

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.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2007 consolidated sales of US$105 billion. Employing approximately 150,000 people in 134 offices in 62 countries, the company consists of two main business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solution. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

SOURCE Cricket