Jitterbug comes to Verizon's network, 'Can you hear me now' guy replaced by Wilford Brimley

By Joseph L. Flatley

posted August 27th 2009 10:56AM

We don't see much of Jitterbug in these parts, though we do love the premise: a simple handset with a nostalgic name designed expressly to not excite Grandma so much. Sure, we were disappointed when the company ditched the three-button controls for a traditional keypad, but apparently even seniors would like to call someone besides "Home," "Operator," or "911" from time to time. And now, Verizon has announced that it will be taking over as Jitterbug's wireless carrier, a move which should result in better coverage and cheaper plans -- doesn't the "greatest generation" deserve at least that much? Full PR after the break.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2009

JITTERBUG'S EASY-TO-USE SERVICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE VERIZON WIRELESS NETWORK

SAN DIEGO and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – GreatCall, Inc., creator of the Jitterbug cell phone and a leader in delivering easy-to-use wireless services, and Verizon Wireless, owner and operator of the most reliable wireless network in the country, today announced that GreatCall's Jitterbug will now run on the Verizon Wireless network through the wireless leader's open development program.

The benefits for Jitterbug customers are exciting: Customers will now have the security and confidence of making calls on the most reliable wireless network in the country. Additionally, Jitterbug monthly services now offer more minutes and more affordable night and weekend calling than were previously available with Jitterbug plans. Customers also will benefit from ongoing wireless technology advances as Verizon Wireless invests billions of dollars every year to further extend its network reliability lead over other wireless providers. Jitterbug's relationships with Verizon Wireless and Samsung, providing best-in-class mobile phone service and handsets, enable it to focus on launching new targeted wireless services that are simple and intuitive for customers to adopt and enjoy.

In a rapidly changing wireless industry, Jitterbug has created a simple-to-use cell phone that delivers the basics and makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family. Jitterbug continues to build on that platform, providing their customers with a "Services Store" that has a collection of easy-to-use applications that are backed by outstanding, friendly customer support.

"We know that there are a lot of people out there that just want a simple cell phone experience and together with Verizon Wireless, we can now offer more new services based on cutting edge wireless technology, and make our services more affordable," said David Inns, chief executive officer of GreatCall. "Jitterbug is committed to giving our growing family of customers the best service experience possible, and this is another example of us achieving that goal."

Verizon Wireless' open development program is driven by the company's goal of encouraging innovation, providing new wireless choices, and expanding the wireless market. The company continues to provide full-service offerings for business and consumer customers.

Anthony A. Lewis, vice president of open development at Verizon Wireless, said "Jitterbug has built a great brand. This relationship will speed and strengthen our ability to reach new customers with the most reliable network in the country. The addition of Verizon Wireless' powerful network to the Jitterbug service is the perfect complement to Jitterbug's commitment to simplicity."

"Jitterbug's popularity has validated our vision of bringing the best of mobile technology to our customers, served up in an elegant and personalized way," said Arlene Harris, GreatCall founder and chairwoman of the board of directors. "Along with custom phones from world leader Samsung in place, the ability for Jitterbug phones to run on the Verizon Wireless network allows us to innovate for our simplicity minded customers and other development partners faster and easier than ever before."

To try the Jitterbug service, call 1-800-918-8543, go to jitterbug.com or visit a select retailer including Sears, Radio Shack, CVS and ShopKo. Those interested can also visit the Jitterbug store locator online to find a retailer nearby. For more information about Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

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About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Jitterbug
Since its 2006 debut, the award winning Jitterbug cell phone and service has been widely praised for its smart feature set, ease of use, and absence of "feature overload." Jitterbug has received prominent national media accolades from the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, The New York Times, Washington Post and major TV broadcast networks. In 2008, Jitterbug was recognized as the Best Small Company by the American Society of Aging and Best Overall Company at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Other substantial recognition and awards include the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Associations 2007 design award, the esteemed Andrew Seybold Choice Award for Best New Wireless Company of 2007, finalist for CES's 2007 Last Gadget Standing competition, New York Times' Top 10 Brilliant Ideas and Reader's Digest 100 Best Products.

About GreatCall, Inc.
GreatCall, Inc., creator of Jitterbug, was founded by Arlene Harris, the first woman inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame, and Martin Cooper, the father of the first portable cellular phone. GreatCall is the leader in delivering easy-to-use, affordable and life-enhancing services to people who seek simplicity. Jitterbug, created with worldwide leader Samsung and operating on the Verizon network, is sold nationwide at leading retailers such Sears, Radio Shack, CVS and ShopKo as well as direct to consumers at 1-800-918-8543 and online at Jitterbug.com. Service coverage includes the U.S. and Canada. GreatCall is located in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.jitterbug.com.