MIAMI, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- TracFone Wireless, the nation's largest prepaid wireless service provider in partnership with Audex, Inc., a leading manufacturer of telecommunications and assistive listening devices, unveiled a new TracFone specially designed for hearing impaired people, as well as for use in noisy environments by those with normal hearing.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041019/FLTU001 )
"The market demand from wireless users for a product that reduces audio interference in hearing aids and improves the overall cell phone listening function is rapidly growing," said Steve Ritter, TracFone's executive vice president of sales and marketing. "Until now, for most hearing aid users, digital cell phones have been a source of interference. By incorporating Audex's CHAAMP(TM), a snap-on mobile phone accessory compatible with our Nokia 5100 series handsets, we're able to eliminate the interference that some digital cell phones cause in hearing aids."
"We are excited to incorporate the CHAAMP(R) System with TracFone's prepaid wireless service," said Charles Beatty, president of Audex. "This type of no-contract service perfectly fits the calling habits of many of our customers, allowing us to offer a complete cellular solution without the long- term commitment, higher costs and complications associated with traditional cellular service plans."
The new Audex handset powered by TracFone will also be useful in difficult listening environments, such as construction and transportation, when a cell phone that provides higher speaker and ringing volumes is needed. In addition to its compatibility with hearing aids, the handset offers background noise suppression, a high-quality speaker for improved sound, a recorder function for on-line recording of calls and playback capability and a flashing light indicator for incoming calls.
The handset, marketed as the Audex CHAAMP Cellular System Powered by TracFone, features:
* Two-way text messaging * One touch voice mail access * Airtime balance display * 30dB of additional amplification * T-coil and cochlear implant compatible * Extra loud ringer with flashing lights * Tone Control * Six-minute recorder
The American Academy of Audiology estimates that more than 28 million Americans -- about 10% of the population -- suffer from hearing loss. In addition, industry sources estimate that there are about 6 million hearing aid users in the United States. "The hearing impaired consumer is a relatively untapped market -- we're pleased to offer this growing group a reliable prepaid wireless solution that easily fits into their lifestyle," added Ritter.
The MSRP for the Audex CHAAMP Cellular System Powered by TracFone standard package is $238 and includes the CHAAMP module, TracFone 5100 series handset, a NiCad battery and AC battery charger. The handset is available through Audex's national network of audiologists, hearing aid dispensers, clinics, catalogs and assistive listening centers or by calling an Audex customer service representative at 1-800-237-0716. The TracFone Airtime cards are available at more than 60,000 retail outlets and sold in denominations of 40, 100, 200 and 400 units, with rates as low as $.10 per minute. A 1-year prepaid wireless service card is $94.99 and comes with 150 free anytime airtime minutes, as well as a Double Minute Prepaid plan card for $149.99, which includes double minutes on all future airtime card redemptions for one year and 300 free anytime airtime minutes.
About Audex, Inc.
For more than 25 years, Audex, Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of assistive listening and communications devices for hearing impaired people. Based in Longview, Texas, Audex is a closely held Texas corporation that has evolved into one of the most innovative providers of infrared and magnetic induction listening devices and telephones for the hearing impaired population in the United States. Audex, Inc. has developed products for Disney, American Airlines, Carnival Cruise Lines and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. For more information about Audex, visit http://www.audex.com/ .
About TracFone Wireless
With more than 3.5 million subscribers, TracFone Wireless, based in Miami, Florida, is a subsidiary of America Movil , Latin America's largest mobile phone provider, with more than 50 million cellular subscribers across the continent. TracFone's nationwide prepaid wireless service has no contracts, credit checks, monthly bills, activation or reactivation fees, deposits or minimum age requirements. Its prepaid wireless service incorporates a customer-friendly, cost-control feature that displays the exact remaining airtime balance on the phone. TracFone Wireless is available at over 60,000 retailers nationwide, including Eckerd Drug, Kmart, Lowe's, Office Depot, Office Max, Sam's Club, Staples, Target, Western Union and Wal-Mart. For more information on TracFone Wireless, visit the web site at http://www.tracfone.com/ .
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041019/FLTU001AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN9PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com TracFone Wireless, Inc.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041019/FLTU001 )
"The market demand from wireless users for a product that reduces audio interference in hearing aids and improves the overall cell phone listening function is rapidly growing," said Steve Ritter, TracFone's executive vice president of sales and marketing. "Until now, for most hearing aid users, digital cell phones have been a source of interference. By incorporating Audex's CHAAMP(TM), a snap-on mobile phone accessory compatible with our Nokia 5100 series handsets, we're able to eliminate the interference that some digital cell phones cause in hearing aids."
"We are excited to incorporate the CHAAMP(R) System with TracFone's prepaid wireless service," said Charles Beatty, president of Audex. "This type of no-contract service perfectly fits the calling habits of many of our customers, allowing us to offer a complete cellular solution without the long- term commitment, higher costs and complications associated with traditional cellular service plans."
The new Audex handset powered by TracFone will also be useful in difficult listening environments, such as construction and transportation, when a cell phone that provides higher speaker and ringing volumes is needed. In addition to its compatibility with hearing aids, the handset offers background noise suppression, a high-quality speaker for improved sound, a recorder function for on-line recording of calls and playback capability and a flashing light indicator for incoming calls.
The handset, marketed as the Audex CHAAMP Cellular System Powered by TracFone, features:
* Two-way text messaging * One touch voice mail access * Airtime balance display * 30dB of additional amplification * T-coil and cochlear implant compatible * Extra loud ringer with flashing lights * Tone Control * Six-minute recorder
The American Academy of Audiology estimates that more than 28 million Americans -- about 10% of the population -- suffer from hearing loss. In addition, industry sources estimate that there are about 6 million hearing aid users in the United States. "The hearing impaired consumer is a relatively untapped market -- we're pleased to offer this growing group a reliable prepaid wireless solution that easily fits into their lifestyle," added Ritter.
The MSRP for the Audex CHAAMP Cellular System Powered by TracFone standard package is $238 and includes the CHAAMP module, TracFone 5100 series handset, a NiCad battery and AC battery charger. The handset is available through Audex's national network of audiologists, hearing aid dispensers, clinics, catalogs and assistive listening centers or by calling an Audex customer service representative at 1-800-237-0716. The TracFone Airtime cards are available at more than 60,000 retail outlets and sold in denominations of 40, 100, 200 and 400 units, with rates as low as $.10 per minute. A 1-year prepaid wireless service card is $94.99 and comes with 150 free anytime airtime minutes, as well as a Double Minute Prepaid plan card for $149.99, which includes double minutes on all future airtime card redemptions for one year and 300 free anytime airtime minutes.
About Audex, Inc.
For more than 25 years, Audex, Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of assistive listening and communications devices for hearing impaired people. Based in Longview, Texas, Audex is a closely held Texas corporation that has evolved into one of the most innovative providers of infrared and magnetic induction listening devices and telephones for the hearing impaired population in the United States. Audex, Inc. has developed products for Disney, American Airlines, Carnival Cruise Lines and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. For more information about Audex, visit http://www.audex.com/ .
About TracFone Wireless
With more than 3.5 million subscribers, TracFone Wireless, based in Miami, Florida, is a subsidiary of America Movil , Latin America's largest mobile phone provider, with more than 50 million cellular subscribers across the continent. TracFone's nationwide prepaid wireless service has no contracts, credit checks, monthly bills, activation or reactivation fees, deposits or minimum age requirements. Its prepaid wireless service incorporates a customer-friendly, cost-control feature that displays the exact remaining airtime balance on the phone. TracFone Wireless is available at over 60,000 retailers nationwide, including Eckerd Drug, Kmart, Lowe's, Office Depot, Office Max, Sam's Club, Staples, Target, Western Union and Wal-Mart. For more information on TracFone Wireless, visit the web site at http://www.tracfone.com/ .
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041019/FLTU001AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN9PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com TracFone Wireless, Inc.
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