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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide To Buying Mobile Phones
ILC Reference NO 61:20:600
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
More Details
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Mobile Telephones provide a useful communication option for people with disabilities and their carers by enabling direct contact 24 hours a day in any area serviced by the mobile network.
There are currently two types of mobile phones - analogue and digital.
Analogue phones all have the same coverage area which is regulated by Telstra, but digital networks are operated separately by Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone.
CAUTION
Since mobile phone technology is radio based, there is a possibility that some sensitive electronic equipment such as hearing aids and powered wheelchairs could be interfered with when using a mobile phone.
Hearing aid users can consult the Commonwealth Department of Therapeutic Goods Administration Medical Devices Section Ph: (06) 232 8444 before purchasing a mobile phone. It is adviseable that a hearing aid user try using an analogue or digital prior to purchase to test if their hearing aid reacts with a loud buzzing noise. If the aid reacts with one digital phone it is likely to react similarly with all digital phones. Analogue phones may produce a different reaction. Powered wheelchair users need to contact their wheelchair manufacturer or agent.
Some local conditions could interfere with or prevent mobile phone reception eg. lifts, buildings, underground carparks, mountains and road cuttings.
Mobile phones should not be operated in a hospital setting as they can interfere with sensitive electronic equipment used for patient management and life support.
It is important to completely discharge (flatten) mobile phone batteries before recharging, particularly with NiCd batteries, otherwise the battery life may be severely affected.
Mobile phones are best protected if they are carried in a case.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
DIGITAL V'S ANALOGUE
Digital Mobile Phones are more reliable, offer improved voice quality, have longer battery lives, are less prone
to interference, crossed lines and others "listening in". Digital also offers a short message service which can
be read on the phones screen. The digital network is relatively new and is being extended to eventually
replace the analogue system.
Analogue phones tend to work better in country areas. The analogue network is however being phased out
and will not be available after the year 2000, although both Telstra and Optus say they will both fully support
analogue phones until this time. Analogue phone prices are falling and may represent good value for those
interested in them in the short term.
WHEN CHOOSING A MOBILE PHONE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS POSSIBLE RELEVANT TO YOUR PARTICULAR NEEDS AS THERE ARE MANY FEATURES
AVAILABLE.
FEATURES TO CONSIDER
- size and weight - mobile phones weigh 230 - 250g on average. Smaller phones are easier to hold but also have small buttons which may be difficult to use. Larger phones may be easier for some people to use.
- keypad manageability, size, sensitivity to touch.
- sound volume, pitch, tone, and ring selection.
- programe capability such as one-touch dialling, emergency number 000, last number redial.
- display - lighting and information eg. numbers shown on display as they are dialled, battery level.
- power and coverage - will the phone operate in the areas where you need to use it? Check the attached picture file and "Caution" points above.
- batteries - battery life, ease of recharging, capacity - different batteries have different capacities. Higher capacity batteries allow for longer talking time and standby but are heavier and bulkier. A spare battery and battery recharger are required. These are included when you buy a mobile phone or are optional.
- warranty for both phone and battery.
- security - ability to limit phone access ie. electronic lock, by PIN codes or by ISD, STD, or 0055 blocks.
- connection fees - Telstra, Vodaphone and Optus connect digital phones to their network from approx $65.00. Analogue phones are connected by Telstra and Optus for approx $45.00.
- options- mobile phones can be used to access modems, the internet, message answering machines/services and facsimilies via laptops and computers. Other features available include call waiting and three party conferencing. An ear piece is available for some digital and analogue phones. There are hands free car phones available and mobile phones with voice activated dialling are currently under
development (Sunday Times Feb 1996).
ALL THREE COMPANIES HAVE CUSTOMER HOTLINES FOR ADVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK:
Telstra's Customer Service Line phone number is Freecall 018 018 111 and operates between 8:00am and midnight.
Optus 24 hours Customer Service phone number is Freecall 1800 555 555.
Vodaphone's 24 hour Customer Care phone number is 0414 141 414.
COST OF THE TELEPHONES
This varies between the companies.
Telstra offers digital phones for $99 up to $599 and analogue phones for around $199.
Digital phones purchased directly from Optus range in price from $99 to $528. When a digital phone is purchased from Optus directly, contracts apply where the user must be connected to the Optus network for a minimum of 12 months. This contract system does not apply if the digital phone is purchased through a dealer although the cost of the phone is more expensive. Similarly, it is much cheaper to purchase a mobile phone with a contract through Vodaphone than to buy a mobile separately and then be connected to the network where you still have to exchange a contract. The cost of purchasing a mobile phone through the network begins at $10 with a 15 month contract and $40 monthly access fee.
ACCESS FEES
All companies charge monthly access fees which vary according to the charging plan being used. Telstra and Optus monthly access fees for analogue phones range from $10 to $240 and from $20 to $240 for digital phones. Vodaphone monthly access fees range from $25 to 240.
CALL PRICES
Charges for calls vary between the three companies. Each company has a range of charging plans which enable the user to choose one to suit the number of calls they make. Vodaphone has a flat rate option for calls anywhere in Australia. Call costs can be minimised by limiting calls to emergencies and can be kept down to $10 per month.
SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Telstra has a disabilities information hotline as part of a disability support service. The hotline Freecall phone number is 1800 068 424. The service is staffed by regionally based teams who provide specialist information about products and services for people with a disability. As part of the service, there is a national TTY (teletypewriter) enquiry line for people with hearing impairment (Freecall 1800 808 981)
Optus also has a TTY enquiry line (Freecall 1800 500 002). Optus is currently developing a service to provide information about products for people with a disability. This service will not be operational until at
least August 1997.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
AUDIOTECH,
TUGGERANONG , ACT
DICK SMITH ELECTRONICS,
GREENWAY - HOMEWORLD,
DIGICALL,
,
OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS,
,
OPTUS WORLD,
, ACT
TELSTRA SHOPS,
FYSHWICK, ACT
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