Samsung Recalls 160,000 Jitterbug Phones over 911 Failure

Samsung is recalling 160,000 Jitterbug cell phones - specifically marketed to seniors - because they fail to connect to 911 services.

In conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. electronics giant Samsung has launched a voluntary recall of some 160,000 Jitterbug phones because they may fail to connect to 911 services from other carriers if they are out of their service area. Mobile phones are supposed to be able to connect to 911 emergency services from any carrier in range, even if they can’t connect to the user’s specific network operator. In the Jitterbug’s case, users could get an “out of range, try again later” message when trying to connect to 911 services when outside of service range.

The Jitterbug handsets are simple cellphones distributed through San Diego’s GreatCall; they’re specifically designed to appeal to seniors and others who want a no-frills mobile phone for making occasional calls, but who may be intimidated by typical cell phones or smart phones, or who simply don’t don’t need all the bells and whistles of a typical phone or want to commit to a monthly service contact. The Jitterbug phones offer a simple keypad interface, and a OneTouch edition doesn’t have a keypad at all: just three buttons for 911, Operator, and “My Choice:” pre-programmed friends, relatives, or others set up in the phone.

Although the Jitterbugs have been on the market since 2006, the recall only applies to the SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 model Jitterbug phones with standard keys sold between March 2008 and May 2009. The OneTouch model is not affected by the recall.

The problem can be corrected through a software upgrade. Samsung is already contacting customers to schedule free upgrades; Jitterbug customers can also call Samsung toll-free at 866/304-4980.