https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2018/10/02/nationwide-emergency-alert-test-planned-oct-3-test-messages-will-be-sent
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WASHINGTON – FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018. The WEA portion of the test, which will be sent to consumer cell phones, will begin at 2:18 p.m. EDT. The EAS portion of the test, which will be sent to radio and television, will follow at 2:20 p.m. EDT.  This will be the fourth nationwide EAS test and the first nationwide WEA test. In light of the upcoming test, the agencies share the following key informational points:
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THE BASICS

• WHY: The purpose of the test is to ensure that EAS and WEA are both effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. Periodic testing of public alert and warning systems helps to assess the operational readiness of alerting infrastructure and to identify any needed technological and administrative improvements.
• HOW: The EAS and WEA test messages will be sent using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized Internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks.
• WHO: FEMA will administer the test, in cooperation with the FCC and the National Weather Service, and with the participation of the communications industry.
• WHEN: October 3, 2018, beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT on cell phones and 2:20 p.m. EDT on TV and radio. (This is the test back-up date; the test was previously postponed due to response efforts to Hurricane Florence.)

​NATIONWIDE ALERT TEST TO CELL PHONES

• THE WIRELESS ALERT TEST MESSAGE: The WEA test message will appear on consumers’ phones and read, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”  Phones will display this national test using the header “Presidential Alert.”  These nationwide alerts, established pursuant to the WARN Act of 2006, are meant for use in a national emergency and are the only type of alert that can be sent simultaneously nationwide by FEMA.
• RECIPIENTS: Many members of the public will receive the WEA test message on their cell phones. Specifically, beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT, cell towers will broadcast the WEA test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. Wireless phones should receive the message only once.
• BACKGROUND ON SYSTEM: The WEA system, launched in 2012, is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations through alerts on cell phones. Alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governmental agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that WEA alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, WEA alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration. The national WEA test will use the same special tone and vibration. In the event of a national emergency, a Presidential WEA alert would be issued at the direction of the President and/or his/her designee, and activated by FEMA.​​

NATIONWIDE TV AND RADIO ALERT TEST

• TV & RADIO ALERT TEST: The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers (“EAS participants”).
• THE TV & RADIO TEST MESSAGE: The EAS test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. A similar wireless emergency alert test message has been sent to all cell phones nationwide. Some cell phones will receive the message; others will not. No action is required.”
• BILINGUAL: The EAS test message will be transmitted in both English and Spanish, with EAS participants deciding which version to use for their communities.
• BACKGROUND ON SYSTEM: Emergency alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies. EAS participants receive the alerts through IPAWS or through local “over the air” monitoring sources. EAS participants then disseminate the emergency alerts to affected communities. The FCC prescribes technical and procedural rules for communications providers’ participation in this process.

FEMA and the FCC have engaged in significant coordination with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers, and other stakeholders in preparation for this EAS-WEA national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test. The test is intended to ensure public safety officials have the methods and systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public in times of an emergency or disaster, including requirements to help ensure that televised EAS messages are accessible to individuals with disabilities. 

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The most advanced iPhones ever, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, have arrived at Cricket Wireless. For those that want the most for their money, pair the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max with one of Cricket’s affordable rate plans starting at $30/mo with no annual contract. It’s the perfect balance of trusted brands with great features and smarter service that gives you more value.

Taking the vision for the future of the smartphone to a new level, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max features a stunning 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch Super Retina displays that offer remarkable brightness and true blacks while showing 60 percent greater dynamic range in HDR photos.

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max bring an improved dual camera system that offers breakthrough photo and video features, A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine, faster Face ID, wider stereo sound, longer battery life, splash and water resistance*, the most durable glass ever in a smartphone, a beautiful new gold finish that joins silver and space gray, and introduce Gigabit-class LTE for even faster download speeds.**

iPhone XS Max offers a more immersive experience with over 3 million pixels for videos, movies and games, offering the largest display ever in an iPhone. Both phones introduce Dual SIM to iPhone through the use of a nano-SIM and digital eSIM.***

For details on the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and Cricket’s simple, affordable service plans, visit one of our Cricket Wireless stores. 

About Cricket

Cricket brings more value with a simple, smarter, friendly wireless experience on our reliable nationwide 4G LTE network that covers more than 99% of Americans.* Our easy-to-understand and affordable service plans include monthly taxes and don’t require an annual contract. And our top-brand phones at affordable prices give our customers something to smile about. Visit Cricket Wireless store to learn more. 

Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Coverage not available everywhere. © 2018 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Cricket and the Cricket logo are trademarks under license to Cricket Wireless LLC.

* Based on overall coverage in U.S. Download speeds max of 8 Mbps(LTE)/4Mbps (4G) on most plans.

1. iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are splash-, water- and dust-resistant, and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 2 meters up to 30 minutes). Splash, water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions, and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
2. Speeds vary based on site conditions and carrier. For details on LTE support, see apple.com/iphone/LTE.
3. Dual SIM support will be available via a free software update later this fall. Use of Dual SIM requires two wireless service plans (which may include restrictions on roaming). Certain restrictions apply to use.

Goose your phone! We are going to give one lucky person a Samsung Galaxy Amp Prime 2 wireless phone and one year of Cricket Wireless service to celebrate Goose Day! Simply like ​our Facebook Goose Day post ​and share a goose related photo or comment on this post for your chance to win.

Plus, you can visit any one of our stores to put your name in the drawing for a second chance to win. We love it when you stop in to visit us and we have a goose at each of our stores you can take a selfie with, which may or may not be alive.

Goose Day is a local tradition that has been observed in the Juniata River Valley for over two centuries. Legend has it that if you eat goose on Michaelmas Day you will never want money all the year round. To learn more about this local central Pennsylvania tradition visit http://juniatarivervalley.org/goose-day/.

Ends ​October​ ​1​, 2018. No purchase necessary. Open to new and existing customers. The winner will receive a Samsung Galaxy Amp Prime wireless phone and One-Stop will pay for one year of the $30/monthly smartphone rate plan from Cricket. Winner may upgrade phone or rate plan and pay the difference in price. See One-Stop Communications for details.

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​We are incredibly proud to announce that One-Stop Communications has been awarded a "Big Dante" from Cricket Wireless for top sales performance in the entire country! On behalf of our managers and staff, we thank you. Pictured here, from left: Jared Pennepacker, Selinsgrove Store Manager, Mathue Nissley, Huntingdon Store Manager, Sean Fluke, Lewistown and State College Store Manager, David Fisher, Service Manager, Shane Niman, Regional Store Manager, Michael Buffington, President, and Andrew Bentz, Williamsport Store Manager. 

Cricket Takes the Top Spot with a Higher Score Than the Industry Average

J.D. Power released its 2018 U.S. Wireless Purchase Experience Non-Contract Study Volume 2, and Cricket Wireless, with 857 points, earned the top spot for non-contract full-service carriers.       
  
Cricket earned this award by outscoring the non-contract industry average by 14 points, according to the study.

“It’s gratifying to see that our team’s relentless commitment to our customers is paying off,” said John Dwyer, president of the AT&T Prepaid Portfolio (which includes Cricket Wireless). “Our employees and authorized retailers have a passion for delivering the simpler smarter, better solutions Cricket customers deserve every day.” 

Dwyer added, “In April of this year, we announced a major milestone – passing the 9 million subscriber mark. The fact that we doubled our subscribers in four years while giving our customers a great experience is a testament to our dedicated team.”

Overall purchase experience satisfaction is measured in six factors (in order of importance): store sales representative; website; offerings and promotions; phone sales representative; store facility; and cost of service. The studies were fielded from January through June 2018.

Now in their 15th year of publication, the U.S. Wireless Purchase Experience Full-Service Performance Study and U.S. Wireless Purchase Experience Non-Contract Performance Study evaluate the wireless purchase experience of customers who use any one of three purchase channels: phone calls with sales representatives; visits to a retail wireless store; or online/website.

About Cricket Wireless
Cricket brings more value with a simple, smarter, friendly wireless experience on our reliable nationwide 4G LTE network that covers more than 99% of Americans.* Our easy-to-understand and affordable service plans include monthly taxes and don’t require an annual contract. And our top-brand phones at affordable prices give our customers something to smile about. 

Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Coverage not available everywhere. © 2018 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Cricket and the Cricket logo are trademarks under license to Cricket Wireless LLC. 

*Based on overall coverage in U.S. Compatible device required. Coverage not available everywhere. 4G LTE coverage is not equivalent to overall network coverage.

Don't forget to cast your vote for the Lewistown Sentinel's 2018 Readers Choice awards. You can vote once online with the link below or once with the ballot in today's paper. This is the first year we recall there being a category for "wireless store". We would be honored to receive your vote!

http://lewistownsentinel.secondstreetapp.com/2018-Readers-Choice-Finalists-Ballot/

Cricket Wireless announced today that it has lifted data usage restrictions while in Mexico. Customers on plans starting at $50 can now use their phone for talk, text and data in Mexico as long as they want with no extra cost. 

"This is a big move in the right direction for our customers," said Tiffany Baehman, chief marketing officer, Cricket Wireless. "Unlike MetroPCS who cuts customer calls in Mexico once they’ve reached a certain limit, Cricket customers will now be able to stay in touch with family, friends, co-workers and others while in Mexico without these calling boundaries."

Cricket is celebrating this change in local communities with a special summertime treat. Starting July 27, Cricket will begin a Camión de Helados (ice cream truck) tour to hand out free paletas—a favorite Mexican indulgence often described as “summer on a stick.”  

Are you looking for the total package smartphone? The LG Stylo™ 4 packs flagship luxury and experiences into an affordable elegant package. Follow your heart and grab a hold of the new LG Stylo™ 4, available June 29 in black or metallic lavender from Cricket Wireless. Priced at only $229.99, the LG Stylo™ 4 hits all the touch points you are looking for in a smartphone ($30/mo. plan required). 

A big, beautiful 6.2” Full HD+ display immerses you in pictures, movies and videos. Experience premium DTS:X™ surround sound through your headphones when gaming, listening to music or streaming movies. High powered octa-core processing combined with 3GB of RAM means you can surf quicker, stream quicker and multi-task quicker. Capture life’s moments with the LG Stylo 4’s full featured 13 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras that let you take beautiful portraits, wide-angle selfies, pics and HD videos.  But that’s not all. The LG Stylo™ 4 is equipped with an enhanced integrated stylus pen the lets you customize settings for writing and drawing.

Other features of the LG Stylo™ 4 stylus include:

• Pen Pop - helps you quickly launch note taking and screen writing apps when you pull out the stylus.
• Screen-off Memo - lets you instantly jot down brilliant ideas! –Just write, no need to turn on the screen!
• Pen Keeper - ensures you never get too far from your stylus.  A pop-up message lets you know when you haven’t stored it back away.
• GIF Capture - allows you to capture and create GIF files from video
•  Pop Lens - when reading, use the stylus to magnify text and view clearly.

The LG Stylo™ 4 is perfect for those looking for a combination of a large screen, premium sound and features wrapped in a stylish design. Want more value? Pair the feature-packed, affordable LG Stylo 4 with one of Cricket’s affordable rate plans starting at $30/mo with no annual contracts.

About Cricket:
Cricket brings more value with a simple, smarter, friendly wireless experience on our reliable nationwide 4G LTE network that covers more than 99% of Americans.* Our easy-to-understand and affordable service plans include monthly taxes and don’t require an annual contract. And our top-brand phones at affordable prices give our customers something to smile about. Visit a Cricket Wireless astore near you. Stay up-to-date with the Cricket Newsroom, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Coverage not available everywhere. © 2018 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Cricket and the Cricket logo are trademarks under license to Cricket Wireless LLC.

* Fees and restrictions apply. See store for details.

Say hello to the Motorola moto e5 SUPRA, available beginning June 22, 2018, for just $179.99 at select Cricket authorized retail stores for new and existing customers. Equipped with a large 6” HD+ edge-to-edge display, the moto e5 SUPRA allows you to see more while browsing the web, gaming or streaming movies. Front ported speakers provide unobstructed crystal-clear sound, all packed into a slim arched design with a water-repellent coating that protects against accidental splashes and spills.

Capture the beauty around you with the moto e5 SUPRA’s 12 MP rear camera with laser autofocus and low light enhancement or its 8MP front camera with LED flash for great looking selfies, in any light. Power on with the moto e5 SUPRA’s 1.5-day battery2 life with a battery that charges faster, which means it will always keep up with you.

Integrated Motorola features let you do what you need to more quickly:

• Moto Display - always know the time, see and reply to notifications, and manage music playback quickly without unlocking the display
• Moto Actions: Use simple gestures to turn on the flashlight, open the camera, and silence an incoming call & notifications
• TurboPower™: Recharge with the TurboPower charger and get 6 hours of use on a 15-minute charge

About Cricket Wireless
Cricket brings more value with a simple, smarter, friendly wireless experience on our reliable nationwide 4G LTE network that covers more than 99% of Americans.* Our easy-to-understand and affordable service plans include monthly taxes and don’t require an annual contract. And our top-brand phones at affordable prices give our customers something to smile about. Visit cricketwireless.com to learn more or find a store near you. Stay up-to-date with the Cricket Newsroom, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Coverage not available everywhere. © 2018 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Cricket and the Cricket logo are trademarks under license to Cricket Wireless LLC. 

*Based on overall coverage in U.S. Compatible device required. Coverage not available everywhere. 4G LTE coverage is not equivalent to overall network coverage.

1. Advanced nano-coating technology creates a water repellent barrier to help protect against moderate exposure to water such as accidental spills, splashes or light rain. Not designed to be submersed in water, or exposed to pressurized water or other liquids. Not waterproof.

2. All battery life claims are approximate and based on a standard mixed-use profile. The mixed-use profile is based on Motorola devices on major 4G LTE networks with excellent coverage and includes both usage and standby time. Out-of-box settings are applied to the mixed-use profile to project battery performance. Actual battery performance will vary and depends on many factors including signal strength, network configuration, age of battery, operating temperature, features selected, device settings, and voice, data, and other application usage patterns.

​3. Battery must be substantially depleted.; charging rate slows as charging progresses.