Oprah isn’t the only one spreading the word about the dangers of texting and driving  and talking and driving.

According to neuroscientist René Marois, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Vanderbilt University, “The human brain isn’t equipped to concentrate on two things simultaneously.” It’s not surprising then that the American College of Emergency Physicians reports a rise in texting-related emergency room visits. A new British study has found that texting while driving slows reaction time more than being drunk or on drugs. And the results can be deadly, as with the California train wreck last September that involved a texting engineer.

So why take the risk? It’s easier and safer to drive hands-free, and now you can do it FREE. i wireless wants you to drive safely, so they’re giving away a FREE Bluetooth headset with any new 2-year activation just in time for back to school. Just stop by any of our i wireless locations, or give us a call for details!

The Iowa Legislature recently passed a new anti-texting law. The new law, which went into effect July 1^st, bans all drivers from reading, writing or sending text messages or email while operating a motor vehicle.

In addition novice drivers, mostly between the ages of 14-17, and drivers with a restricted license will be prohibited from using a cell phone at all while operating a motor vehicle.

A person ticketed under the new law will face a minimum fine of $30 up to $1,000 for causing a serious accident, although there would be a grace period on the fine for the first year.

The bottom line? Don’t text and drive! It’s not only dangerous, it’s the law!

Everybody seems to be talking about android phones lately, but many of us still aren’t quite sure what they are, or what they can do. With three new android phones now available from i wireless, we thought we’d give you all the details so you can make an informed decision about whether an android phone is right for you.

What is an android phone?

Similar to an iphone, an android phone is said to be the future of mobile phone software, because the Google “android” platform allows you to customize the look, feel and functionality of your phone to fit your needs and personality. You can even customize your screens. And, you can run multiple applications at the same time, so, for example, you can switch from instant messaging to web browsing seamlessly.

What can an android phone do?

Android phones are loaded with great features to start with, like built-in GPS, built-in Wi-Fi, 5 megapixel cameras, touch screens, voice dial and much more. All are fully-functional smart phones that allow you to use mobile e-mail and web browsing. But what sets these phones apart is they are completely customizable with over 20,000 applications that you can download on your phone to help you do everything from checking the local weather, to creating your own custom radio station, to giving you a quick and easy Facebook or Twitter interface.

Get the HTC Hero for less than $100!

At the android market (www.android.com/market) you can download thousands of both pay and free applications that can make your phone do anything you can imagine. From scanning bar codes at the store to see if you can find an item cheaper somewhere else, to turning your phone into a stop watch or a mileage tracker, there’s an app for almost everything!

What do android phones cost?

i wireless has three new android phones available. The lowest priced phone, the HTC Hero, comes in three colors (bronze, pink and white) and costs just $99.95 with new line activation and a 2-year agreement. Android phones typically run around the same prices as other touch screen smart phones.  

How do I get an android phone?

To get any of the new i wireless android phones, or to try one out for yourself, stop by any of our i wireless locations including our office in Plainfield, Hardware Hub in Frederika, Seery Telecommunications in New Hampton or Tripoli Plumbing & Heating in Tripoli. Then let the fun begin!

STARZ is offering a great summer deal for any new customers adding STARZ by next Wednesday! You just fill out a rebate form, mail it in with your first two months cable bills showing STARZ and they’ll send you $25! Click HERE for your rebate form.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to spend quality family time together, you can’t go wrong with STARZ. For just $10 a month (if you have Basic Cable) or $12 a month (if you have Digital Cable) you can get an entire month of great first-run movies perfect for the whole family! That’s a fraction of what you’d spend for just one night out at the movies!

This month you can watch Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Michael Jackson’s This is It, and lots of other great new  movies. Look for 2012 coming next month!

To order  STARZ (hurry–offer ends 6/30!) just give us a call at 276-4458!

If you’re looking for the latest and greatest Android phones, we’ve got ‘em! Starting at under $100 with the new HTC Hero available in bronze, pink or white, all the way up to the super cool new Google Nexus One, all three have 5 megapixel cameras, built-in GPS and so much more! Click the picture for more information!

Also, with a new $50 PER LINE bonus (up to 5 lines!) you can instantly receive up to a $250 credit on your first bill when you switch from another provider to i wireless.

Add in amazing plans, including two lines with unlimited talk AND text for under $100 a month, with add-a-lines starting at just $10  a month with free activation, and you’ve got the perfect plan for Dad, your grad, or even yourself!

Stop by our office in Plainfield, or any of our three  i wireless locations: Hardware Hub in Frederika, Seery Telecommunications in New Hampton or Tripoli Plumbing & Heating in Tripoli!

Spring is FINALLY here, and most of us are heading outside to work on those long-awaited spring projects. Building new decks and fences, planting trees, landscaping and putting in sprinkler systems are all popular spring tasks that involve digging or excavating.

Don’t forget to call to request a cable locate before you dig. Just call 811 48-hours before you start your project to have your utilities properly identified and marked. It’s a free service that not only saves you time and money–it’s the law!

Are you a gadget guy (or girl?) Have you been holding out for the latest android phone so you can get all the latest apps? You are in luck! Android 3G Smartphones are coming soon to i wireless.

To learn more about Android phones, click here. To browse some of the thousands of Android apps, click here. 

Check back soon for updates, or, to get up-to-the-minute information on i wireless phones, plans and updates, become a Facebook fan!

Comcast Sportsnet, which airs both the Cubs and the White Sox games, will soon be available in HD! 

The channel should be available in May so stay tuned for details!

If you are a graduating senior and will be attending an Iowa college, you are eligible to receive one of five $1,000 netINS scholarships!

To apply, just write a 300 word essay on “The Internet Generation: Discuss the role of the Internet in your future life and career.” Then, go to the netINS scholarship web site and submit your application.

You must include your name, mailing address, telephone number, email address, the name of your high school, the name of the college or university you are enrolled in and our name (Butler-Bremer Communications). A web-based form is provided at the netINS web site.

Entries will be judged by a panel of impartial Independent Telephone Company staff, INS staff, and Iowa educators, and winners will be notified the week of May 3rd.

If you have any questions regarding these terms, please contact scholarship@netins.net. Good luck!