PROSPECTIVE PANELIST FAQ

CURRENT PANEL MEMBER FAQ

What does IMMI do??
Have you ever wondered where TV ratings come from? In the past, media audiences were measured by asking people like you to record what they watched in a hand-written diary. IMMI has a new way to collect data that uses the special IMMI cell phone you carry. IMMI uses the data collected to tell TV networks, radio stations, movie producers, and advertisers which shows are popular and which aren’t.
How does IMMI measure what I watch?

IMMI will supply you with a special IMMI cell phone.  When you listen to movies, television or radio programs, the phone creates digital codes and transmits them back to IMMI, where they are compared to codes created from what was broadcast or playing in the theater. If the codes match, we know you were exposed to that material.

Are you recording my conversations?
No. The IMMI cell phone software can match only media (TV, radio, movies, etc.) data and nothing else. IMMI adheres to a strict privacy policy.
How was I selected?
Your name was selected at random from a telephone database. You, along with thousands of other Americans, were chosen to be representative of all adults. In order for the audience ratings to be accurate, we hope that you will join the IMMI research panel. We need your participation to ensure the audience for shows you watch will be measured accurately.
Why do you want me? I don’t watch much TV or listen to the radio.
Some people watch a lot of TV and others hardly watch any at all. IMMI needs all kinds of people to participate.
Can anyone participate?
Unfortunately, for our panel members to truly represent their areas they must be randomly chosen. Our panelists must also be between the ages of 13 and 54 and not be employed in a job connected to advertising, media, or media research. Occasionally we need volunteers for special studies.  If you are interested send us your contact information, and we may contact you for future projects.
Does it cost anything to join the IMMI panel?
We are supplying you with an IMMI Cingular/AT&T cell phone. IMMI will also be covering the costs of the Internet access necessary for this program. You have free cell phone Internet. You pay for anything you buy on the Internet and text messaging. You will be responsible for selecting and paying for a monthly Cingular/AT&T voice service plan as you would with any cell phone provider. We will reward you $50 every month if you are a panelist in “good standing”.
How do I stay in good standing?
Keep the phone charged, keep it on, carry it with you (do not loan it out), pay your phone bill, and respond to IMMI communications.
What does monthly cell phone service cost?
It depends upon which Cingular/AT&T plan you choose. Cingular/At&T has many plans including a plan that costs $39.95 per month (before fees and taxes). IMMI is not affiliated with Cingular/AT&T and we are not trying to sell you cell phone service.
Do I have to switch my cell phone provider?
IMMI uses cell phones provided by Cingular/AT&T. You will need to qualify for Cingular service to participate in the program. If you already have a cell phone from Cingular/AT&T, you will switch phones and set up a new account with Cingular/AT&T. There will be no charge for this.
If you currently use a different provider, you will set up a new account with Cingular/AT&T, and you may port your existing phone number over to the new phone. It is easy to port your number and there will be no interruption in your service.
Will you pay any early termination fees that my existing provider charges?
In most cases, we will cover the early termination fee if you are charged one by your existing cellular provider. Your IMMI Panel Member Representative can provide you with additional information.
What is the model of the cell phone you will give me?
You will be receiving an IMMI Cingular 3125 Smartphone. This slim, state-of-the-art phone takes pictures, videos, accesses the internet. It runs Windows Mobile and has much of the power of a computer, yet is smaller than most full-featured cell phones.
Can I use the cell phone for personal or business calls?
Yes. As long as you participate in the IMMI research panel, it’s yours to use as your primary cell phone for the duration of time you are an IMMI research panel member.
How long can I stay in the IMMI panel?
We invite panel members in good standing to be part of the IMMI panel for two years.
Can I drop out?
We hope you don't. If you change your mind, you can drop out of the IMMI research panel at any time. IMMI will send you a pre-paid shipping label to return the phone, and documentation to assist you with finalizing your Cingular/AT&T account.
How much time does this take?
As long as you are a panel member in “good standing”, there is little time involved. You simply carry the cell phone we supply you and use it as you would use any mobile phone. We ask that you recharge it every night.
OK, I'm ready. How do I sign up?

You don’t need to do anything. A representative from IMMI will call you in the next few days. You may also call us at (800) 980-0656, and we’ll get you started right away.

What do I do if I'm moving?

Go to Update to send us your new address. If you are still in an IMMI area, you may be able to continue as a panel member.

Does it matter if another person in my family uses the phone?

You are the IMMI panel member, and you need to keep the phone with you. Data received while other people have the phone (even within your family) are not valid.

Why do I need to tell you if I'm going on vacation?

Sometimes when you leave the cell phone coverage area, the phone is unable to upload media data and this can cause technical problems. Please advise us of your Travel plans, so we can help you avoid this problem.

If I want to change my service plan or add service features, who do I call?
Call your service provider, Cingular/AT&T, at (800) 214-0825. You will need the FAN or BAN that came with your welcome materials or Contact Support to get it.
Should I take the phone with me to movies?
Yes. Use Quicklist to put the phone on Silent, and carry the phone with you as you normally would. It's important that we understand the media you are exposed to everywhere.
What if I have technical problems with the phone?
We want to keep your phone working. Use Troubleshoot on this site to get your phone back online. If the problem is connected to IMMI software and/or you are on alert, this should help you solve it. Otherwise call IMMI support at 800-571-3678. Sometimes the problem may be a service provider problem, and we may refer you to Cingular/AT&T.
Why was I notified I'm on alert when the phone is working fine?
The phone can seem perfectly okay, but the IMMI software has stopped working for some reason, so the phone isn't sending in data. To continue as an IMMI panel member you need to work with this site and IMMI Support to get your phone sending data again.
Why doesn't the phone stay charged longer?
The IMMI software is always running on the phone. This uses battery power. It's a good idea to have a charger in your car or at work. Charge the phone every night.
What should I do if I get an email or phone call from IMMI Support?
Please respond as soon as possible. This is part of your responsibility as an IMMI panel member.
What is a software update?
IMMI engineers are always working to improve the software on your phone. Every so often an improved version of the software needs to be downloaded and installed. IMMI Support will notify you by email a few days before this happens. Updating and installing is as simple as following a few onscreen directions. The email will tell you how to do it.
What if I am asked for my Social Security number?

1) We will NEVER ask for the following personal information in emails:

* Credit and debit card numbers
* Bank account numbers
* Driver's license numbers
* Social Security numbers
* Passwords

2) We will never ask you to download an attachment or software directly from an email. If we do need you to update the IMMI software on your phone, we will first send you an email alerting you to an upcoming update.  Then, we will send you a link to the updated software via your phone's Internet browser or an SMS (text) message directly to your phone.

3) Any email from us will include the 800 telephone number for the company and will be from your panel member representative.

We hope that this policy will alert you to any suspicious emails you may receive. If you have questions about an email that comes from IMMI, contact us and let us know.

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