Recall: 'Jitterbug' Cell Phones Might Not Call 911

[MuffyBee]

http://www.kbtx.com/national/headlines/46236357.html
Recall: 'Jitterbug' Cell Phones Might Not Call 911
Posted: 10:15 AM May 27, 2009
Last Updated: 10:15 AM May 27, 2009
Reporter: Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Samsung is voluntarily recalling thousands of "Jitterbug" cell phones because they may fail to connect to emergency 911 service when out of range, according to federal regulators.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the recall involves about 160,000 Samsung phones. the agency says the phones could fail to connect to 911 if in a no-service area and it displays an "out of range" message.

A Federal Communications Commission rule requires that a wireless phone have the capability to reach a 911 center, even when out of service range. The phone should be able to piggyback off another service provider in the area to get to 911.

The company is contacting consumers directly to schedule a free software upgrade. Consumers can call Samsung at 866-304-4980 if they have not already been contacted.

The phones were manufactured by Richardson, Texas-based Samsung Telecommunications America. They were sold between March 2008 and May 2009 for about $150.

The model numbers are: SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 with standard key pads and version BB14 software.

[klaasend]

http://www.kbtx.com/national/headlines/46236357.html
Recall: 'Jitterbug' Cell Phones Might Not Call 911
Posted: 10:15 AM May 27, 2009
Last Updated: 10:15 AM May 27, 2009
Reporter: Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Samsung is voluntarily recalling thousands of "Jitterbug" cell phones because they may fail to connect to emergency 911 service when out of range, according to federal regulators.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the recall involves about 160,000 Samsung phones. the agency says the phones could fail to connect to 911 if in a no-service area and it displays an "out of range" message.

A Federal Communications Commission rule requires that a wireless phone have the capability to reach a 911 center, even when out of service range. The phone should be able to piggyback off another service provider in the area to get to 911.

The company is contacting consumers directly to schedule a free software upgrade. Consumers can call Samsung at 866-304-4980 if they have not already been contacted.

The phones were manufactured by Richardson, Texas-based Samsung Telecommunications America. They were sold between March 2008 and May 2009 for about $150.

The model numbers are: SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 with standard key pads and version BB14 software.

You know, I always wonder if one of these phones would be good for my inlaws.  This issue with 911 is a big one considering their target audience in more likely to need 911.