Jitterbug Wireless
Encyclopedia
GreatCall Wireless, is an American mobile virtual network operator
(MVNO) founded by industry veterans of wireless history in 2006 and based in Del Mar, California
. The brand name “Jitterbug” refers to the handsets. The wireless service that GreatCall provides, operates on the Verizon Network. The Jitterbug's trademark is a simplified mobile phone that is targeted at baby boomers and older Americans.
. Jitterbug officially launched as a joint venture on April 3, 2006.
Jitterbug currently offers two mobile phone models. The flagship model is the Jitterbug J, a clamshell handset custom-built for the company by Samsung. The J phone has speakers with increased volume levels, hearing aid compatibility and brighter screens with larger text than on most cell phones. It emits a dial tone
when opened to simulate a landline phone's behavior. The menu system uses a question-based interface with keys labeled "YES" and "NO." The newest phone in the Great Call family is the Samsung R100(Stunt), a "candybar" form model. The R100 phone provides the same service, without the unique features of the J phone. Older Jitterbug models, such as the “The Jitterbug Dial” and “The Jitterbug One Touch” are still supported on the network, but not offered for sale to new customers.
GreatCall subscribers can reach a live US-based operator 24 hours a day. Operators greet customers by name when they call and are trained to connect calls, provide directory assistance and make changes and updates to customer phone number contact lists. Calls to an operator deduct minutes from the customer's monthly allowance. Subscribers can also reach a US-based customer service representative 24 hours a day for no charge for assistance with the phone use, billing questions, and technical support.
Jitterbug customers can also take advantage of a number of additional services offered by GreatCall. These include:
Also Aug 31.2011 Verizon announced that Sep 25.2011 they would add a 3 dollar Canadian tax on all jitterbug j phones.David Inns says this will increase the way Canada piggybacks off of the USA.
On top of the activation fee, the monthly service tends to cost significantly more than competing wireless services.
Mobile virtual network operator
A mobile virtual network operator is a company that provides mobile phone services but does not have its own licensed frequency allocation of radio spectrum, nor does it necessarily have all of the infrastructure required to provide mobile telephone service...
(MVNO) founded by industry veterans of wireless history in 2006 and based in Del Mar, California
Del Mar, California
Del Mar is an upscale beach town in San Diego County, California. The population was 4,161 at the 2010 census, down from 4,389 at the 2000 census. The San Diego County Fair is hosted on the Del Mar Fairgrounds every summer. Del Mar is Spanish for "of the sea" or "by the sea", because it is located...
. The brand name “Jitterbug” refers to the handsets. The wireless service that GreatCall provides, operates on the Verizon Network. The Jitterbug's trademark is a simplified mobile phone that is targeted at baby boomers and older Americans.
History
In the early 1990s SOS Wireless provided senior citizens with a basic, oversized, three-button mobile telephone designed for emergency use. In 2004, the idea for a simple mass-market cellular phone was brought to SamsungSamsung Group
The Samsung Group is a South Korean multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea...
. Jitterbug officially launched as a joint venture on April 3, 2006.
Products and services
Jitterbug offers airtime on a month-to-month or prepaid basis. GreatCall, Jitterbug's parent company, is now a Verizon MVNO.Jitterbug currently offers two mobile phone models. The flagship model is the Jitterbug J, a clamshell handset custom-built for the company by Samsung. The J phone has speakers with increased volume levels, hearing aid compatibility and brighter screens with larger text than on most cell phones. It emits a dial tone
Dial tone
A dial tone is a telephony signal used to indicate that the telephone exchange is working, has recognized an off-hook, and is ready to accept a call. The tone stops when the first numeral is dialed...
when opened to simulate a landline phone's behavior. The menu system uses a question-based interface with keys labeled "YES" and "NO." The newest phone in the Great Call family is the Samsung R100(Stunt), a "candybar" form model. The R100 phone provides the same service, without the unique features of the J phone. Older Jitterbug models, such as the “The Jitterbug Dial” and “The Jitterbug One Touch” are still supported on the network, but not offered for sale to new customers.
GreatCall subscribers can reach a live US-based operator 24 hours a day. Operators greet customers by name when they call and are trained to connect calls, provide directory assistance and make changes and updates to customer phone number contact lists. Calls to an operator deduct minutes from the customer's monthly allowance. Subscribers can also reach a US-based customer service representative 24 hours a day for no charge for assistance with the phone use, billing questions, and technical support.
Jitterbug customers can also take advantage of a number of additional services offered by GreatCall. These include:
- The Check-in call
- Medication Reminder
- LiveNurse
- Daily Health Tips
- The Wellness Call
- MyWorld
Awards
Jitterbug has received a number of industry awards, including the New York Times Top 10 Brilliant Ideas of 2006, Andrew Seybold’s 2007 Choice Wireless Technology Award for “Best New Company” in the cell phone industry, as well as a 2007 selection for the Reader’s Digest: America’s 100 Best.Verizon Wireless
As of August 27, 2009, Jitterbug and Verizon Wireless announced that Jitterbug's phones and services will now be available on the Verizon Wireless network. Previously it had a series of roaming agreements with a number of different CDMA providers. Now, Verizon Wireless will be the main wireless network provider for Jitterbug's services. Verizon and Jitterbug will offer more minutes and also will have less expensive nights and weekend plans.Also Aug 31.2011 Verizon announced that Sep 25.2011 they would add a 3 dollar Canadian tax on all jitterbug j phones.David Inns says this will increase the way Canada piggybacks off of the USA.
AAA Partnership
On April 13, 2010, GreatCall announced that they would be the sole cellular telephone provider for the American Automobile Association. Customers who signed up for GreatCall service would receive a $20.00 off of the Jitterbug handset, making it $79.00, and $20.00 off the price of the R100 Handset, making it $19.99. They also receive a free accessory pack, a 5% discount on the monthly rate plans, and a 30% discount on all accessories. All customers can take advantage of the discounts simply by calling the customer service line, and providing their member number and club code.Criticisms
Jitterbug requires a $35 activation fee with all of its plans but unlike other MVNOs it offers more services supported by live US operators and agents. Intended as a handset for older subscribers or ones that want a simple usage experience, the J phone supports text but lacks a camera and is limited in data support. Because Jitterbug does not offer long-term contracts, the company cannot offer discounts based on such contracts.On top of the activation fee, the monthly service tends to cost significantly more than competing wireless services.