Mobile phone for the over-50s is launched

Another mobile phone aimed at the over-50s and the disabled has been launched.

The Emporia Life phone, which is being distributed by telecommunications company Communic8, has a range of “simple and easy-to-use features”, according to its makers.

These include a large screen with an orange backlight – which, it is claimed, helps those with visual impairments – oversized buttons and a louder-than-average ring volume.

There is also a powerful vibration alert to ensure the owner knows when someone is calling and a large red emergency button that can be programmed to call or send a pre-written text to up to five designated numbers for help in an emergency. It is also said to be compatible with digital hearing aids.

The phone is supplied with a Vodafone pay-as-you-go Sim card. However Communic8 said this doesn't tie the phone to this mobile provider. The phone is unlocked so it can be used on any network.

Stuart Smith, Communic8's managing director, said: “We supply these Sim cards so people can use the phone, but not one of the major operators is willing to stock it as part of their range.”

He told Computeractive that this was because these providers thought that the over-50s market would not bring in “the kind of revenue that youths, who download content and buy expensive phones, and businesses which have high tariffs” would.

However, his claims were denied by both Vodafone and O2. Both firms said they offer similar handsets for this age range for a cheaper price.

O2's Jet handset, for example, features a simple user interface and long battery life, and is available on pay as you go for £59.99. Vodafone’s Simply range, which is based around easy-to-use handsets, starts at £40.

“We don't directly market this phone to this audience because that would be a bit patronising," said an O2 spokeswoman.