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Cell phones get a lot of use on Halloween

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By TONY HOLT | Hernando Today

Published: October 27, 2009

The biggest costume day of the year might also be the biggest photo and video-messaging day of the year.

Adding the fact there are tens of millions of trick-or-treaters roaming the streets at night across the country, Halloween also is considered one of the year's heaviest wireless-calling days, according to AT&T.

Last year, multi-media messaging (MMS) services spiked 44 percent on Halloween compared to the previous week, said AT&T spokeswoman Gretchen Schultz.

"Like many holidays, a higher amount of wireless activity occurs on Halloween," Schultz said. "I'm sure this spike comes from customers who want to share their cute and creative costume pics with family and friends."

Verizon's research doesn't support the same data as its biggest rival, said company spokesman Chuck Hamby.

"Usage on the (Verizon Wireless) network has been remarkably consistent for Oct. 31," Hamby said. "More influential is the day of the week on which Halloween falls … a Friday Halloween is likely to be busier for wireless traffic than a Tuesday Halloween."

Hamby said text messaging increases slightly on Halloween – maybe 10 percent.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 36 million trick-or-treaters were walking the streets during Halloween 2008.

Saturday's mild weather ought to bring out high volumes of costume-clad children during the night. The forecast has sunny skies during the day with a few patches of clouds. After sundown, temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-60s in Spring Hill, according to AccuWeather.com.

AT&T has turned up more than 180 cell cites throughout North and Central Florida since the start of the year, Schultz said.

"(We're) ready for any increases in traffic this Halloween with our existing network and we will be monitoring the network closely since it is a busier day," she said.

Wireless phones are considered a vital tool to provide more safety to children during trick-or-treat hours.

Prior to the cellular boom, parents mostly trailed behind their kids through the neighborhood with flashlights.

Mobile phones now allow for children to maintain a line of communication with chaperones, establish a check-in schedule and provide a quick means to call in case of an emergency.

Prepaid plans also are a popular choice among families prior to Halloween.

"Prepaid is always a good option for someone who might not have a cell phone and wants to stay connected with their trick-or-treaters," Schultz said.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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