One of the biggest advantages of wireless phones is the easy access to emergency services.
Whether it’s a car wreck or criminal activity, help is always just a phone call away. But the cost and complexity of cell phones can be a detriment to buying. Paying $30 a month just to have access to emergency help isn’t always feasible.
With Mobile911, you can have that access without the associated costs.
“Studies show that 56 percent of households are buying phones for safety and security reasons,” says Mike Bernstein, co-founder of SecureAlert, the marketer of the product. “It is what is driving the growth of the phone industry.”
The groups that have the highest needs for security — women and the elderly — also have the lowest penetration of cell phones.
“People are buying for security, but not everyone who needs it can have it,” says Bernstein.
The reasons include:
Cost. The average cellular bill for a household is $40. That’s almost $500 per year — a lot for someone on a fixed or limited income.
Maintenance. A phone isn’t any good if the batteries aren’t charged. If the phone will only be used for emergencies, the person has to remember to keep the battery charged, which typically means putting it on the charger every other week or so.
Product and plan complexity. “The phones can be confusing, for older people in particular,” says Bernstein. “It’s not necessarily intuitive to them to hit the power and send buttons, and many are unlit, making them difficult to see.” Rate plans are also confusing, with monthly fees, roaming fees, activation fees and other charges. While prepaid cellular cards have solved some of these problems, the minutes typically expire after a certain amount of time.
“Our product was designed to overcome these problems,” says Bernstein. “It’s maintenance free and simple to use.”
The device looks like a cell phone, and will operate anywhere a normal analog cell phone will operate. Instead of a key pad, there is one big button labeled “911.” By pressing the button, the phone automatically dials 911 and puts you in touch with an emergency operator.
“The first rules of self defense are to make a lot of noise and call for help,” he says. “The product also contains a 95 decibel siren as a deterrent.”
It is powered by four AAA batteries that will last several years, instead of needing recharging every few weeks.
The Mobile911 is also being purchased by people who already have cell phones.
“People get nervous when there is an emergency,” notes Bernstein. “When you are panicked, it’s hard to remember what to do. Our product is very intuitive: You don’t have to think, you just push a button.”
Businesses are purchasing the devices to give to employees who work the late shift or must travel through dark parking lots. Older persons with medical conditions are buying them so they’ll have immediate contact for help if the need arises.
There is a one-time purchase price of $199 and no rate plan or contract fee of any kind. Because 911 calls are free, there’s no need for a service agreement.
Mobile911 also features a signal test button. If the light is green, you are in range of a tower. If the light is red, you are in the 2 percent of the populated area of the United States not covered. There is also a gauge to indicate how much power is left in each of the batteries.
How to reach: SecureAlert, (800) 584-4176 or www.mobile911.com
Todd Shryock ([email protected]) is SBN’s special reports editor.