(Granges-Paccot, 6 May 2009) Switel maintains its position on the mobile telephony market by launching two new, especially user-friendly and easy-to-operate devices. The Swiss quality brand now offers a full range of phones and accessories that are adapted to the needs of seniors.

Studies show that the use of mobile phones varies by age. Whereas 87 – 94% of 15- to 40-year-olds use a mobile phone, only 53% of those over 60 do so – due to the lack of devices that meet their needs. “When we launched our first mobile phone for older people at the end of 2008 we discovered that there was a lot of interest among this target group, which has so far been neglected by manufacturers. That’s why we decided to invest in that segment by developing easy-to-use, ergonomic mobile phones with features that include making calls, sending and receiving SMS messages and an easy-to-use emergency call”, says Sélim Dusi, Director of Telgo AG, the distributor of the Switel brand.

Making Phone Calls Should be Fun, Even if You’re Older

Studies have shown that the market for senior citizens is not homogenous. Many people over 60 are familiar with mobile phones. Design, a built-in camera and sending and receiving SMS messages are more important to 60- to 75-year-olds than to those over 76. “Learning a new technology is often stressful for older people. Our mobile phones should be an aid, not an obstacle. The devices must adapt to the needs of the users, not the other way around.”

The “Care products – special needs” range includes approximately 15 landline phones (corded/cordless), mobile phones and different accessories, both for active, mobile and dynamic senior citizens and for older people for whom the devices offer assistance with hearing and vision as well as ergonomics.

Two Particularly User-Friendly Mobile Phones

The two models introduced as Avant-Première by Switel combine the main advantages of a mobile phone, including sending and receiving SMS messages, with useful features and characteristics such as: large, easy-to-see buttons, amplified handset tone and ring tone volume, hearing aid compatibility, direct memory for the most frequently used numbers.

The M300 model is characterized by its well-designed, clearly legible keys, backlit display and visual display of incoming calls. The M500/700 offers even more security and fosters the user’s independence. The emergency call button on the rear of the unit automatically dials five preset numbers until the call is answered. The mobile phone automatically recognizes a busy line or an answering machine. As soon as a connection has been established the device changes to speakerphone mode so that the caller can ask for help. After that, a signal sounds to alert those nearby of the emergency.

Combo Set for Greater Independence and Better Hearing

The product range for senior citizens also includes landline phones. The DCT 6172 Combo model, which was designed specifically for the hard of hearing, consists of a base unit with a corded and a cordless phone and allows free internal calls to be made. This sophisticated device combines independence and convenience: Large LCD, speakerphone function, adjustable volume in the mobile unit and base unit, an answering machine that can be operated with the push of a button, direct memory, extra-bright signaling of incoming calls (a welcome feature if the phone is in the same room as the television).

Another useful feature is the direct memory (DB 50) that can be plugged in between the socket and any type of telephone. It features 12 extra-large direct dialing buttons that can be labeled with photos or pictograms and that quickly establish a connection to relatives, the hospital or the doctor on duty.

Points of Sale and Distribution

The M300, M500/700 and DCT 6172 models are available in specialty shops (hearing aid audiologist, radio/TV), in particular, from the 80 members of the Amplifon net as well as at the post office, at Media-Markt, Interdiscount, Ing. Dipl. Fust, VAC (vente par correspondance), FNAC and Darty.

Recommended Price

M300: Fr. 179.- (without a subscription)

M500/700: Fr. 199.- (without a subscription)

DCT 6172 : Fr. 199.-

Additional information (photos, product descriptions) can be found at www.switel.com

Company Portrait

Switel, a brand of Telgo AG, based in Granges-Paccot, is the leading landline telephone service provider in Switzerland. The company sells devices for landline, mobile and Internet telephony, special devices for older, hearing- and vision-impaired people, baby monitors and walkie-talkies.

For More Information:

Sélim Dusi, Director, Telgo AG, 026 460 10 27 or 079 705 70 37

Pierre-Alain Rattaz, Press Spokesman, 078 607 68 87