FW: Wireless TTY (fwd)

[Ginette Perkins]

This should be of interest some you on the List-serve.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ginette Perkins
Information & Referral Specialist
Washington Assistive Technology  Alliance
1-800-214-8731 (Toll Free)
(509) 328-9350 (V, TTY)
(509) 326-2261 (Fax)
ginettep at seals.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 15:19:52 -0500
From: Gregg Vanderheiden <po at trace.wisc.edu>
Reply-To: uaccess-l at trace.wisc.edu
To: "Telecom-L (E-mail)" <telecom-l at trace.wisc.edu>,
     "Uaccess-L (E-mail)" <uaccess-l at trace.wisc.edu>
Subject: Wireless TTY

ReachNET Introduces First-Ever Handheld Wireless TTY For the Deaf Community

Source: BUSINESS WIRE



BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 17, 1999--

Revolutionary Technology Offers Unprecedented Service for the 28

Million Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals in the U.S.

Using a revolutionary new wireless service called Wireless TTY, deaf and
hard-of-hearing individuals can, for the first time ever, engage in near
real-time telephone conversations while mobile and separated from
traditional teletype (TTY) machines.

Developed by reachNET, a Baltimore-based wireless technology company,
Wireless TTY gives the deaf community the same freedom and convenience that
hearing individuals enjoy when using mobile telephones.

"Until now, wireless technologies for the deaf community have been
restricted to two-way messaging and paging services," said John Kirby,
president and CEO of reachNET. "With Wireless TTY, a deaf person can now
make near real-time TTY calls anytime, anywhere. The convenience and safety
benefits are truly remarkable."

ReachNET is offering its Wireless TTY application via BellSouth Wireless
Data's nationwide network, which covers more than 93 percent of the U.S.
urban business population located in 492 Metropolitan Statistical Areas
(MSAs) and non-MSAs with a total population of 200 million people.

"Wireless data - and the BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network(SM) in
particular - is a perfect technology fit for the deaf community," said Janet
Boudris, senior vice president, Strategic Marketing, BellSouth Wireless
Data. "In the wireless data world, the deaf and hard of hearing are on
common ground with those who can hear because they are communicating
interactively through the written rather than spoken word. This gives the
deaf community a measure of freedom, flexibility and control they never
before have experienced."

Using the Wireless TTY application over the BellSouth network, individuals
can place and receive calls to and from other TTY machines, relay services
or e-mail via the RIM Inter at ctive(TM) Pager 950, a compact handheld device
that features a full keyboard and can be worn on a belt or slipped in a
pocket. Once the two parties connect, they can engage in near real-time
conversations.

"Wireless TTY is a real break-through for the deaf community," said Jamie
Clark, former Vice President, Verio. Jamie Clark is a graduate of Gallaudet
University and founder of ClarkNet Internet services which was purchased by
Verio. "These types of technological advancements level the playing field
for all deaf individuals, providing the same freedom and independence that
is found in the hearing world."

Combining the features of a personal computer, pager and cellular telephone,
Wireless TTY provides a range of functions, including near real-time TTY
service, email, outgoing fax, two-way paging, an electronic address book and
a vibrating alert.

ReachNET uses the latest technology to ensure the highest levels of service,
including encryption technology that guards against eavesdropping, cloning
and theft. The RIM Inter at active Pager 950 is manufactured by Research In
Motion Limited, an Ontario, Canada-based company that develops leading-edge,
wireless communications products.

ReachNET Wireless TTY is available immediately through the reachNET web site
at http://www.reachnet.net or by calling toll-free 1-888-RNET-008 or
1-877-RNET-TTY.

As a special introductory offer, reachNET is selling charter subscriptions
to the Wireless TTY service at one-half the normal initiation fee.

ReachNET representatives will be demonstrating Wireless TTY in many cities
across the country. Please see the reachNET web site http://www.reachnet.net
for further information regarding the Wireless TTY demonstration schedule.

About reachNET

ReachNET, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a privately held company. Founded
in 1996, reachNET offers unique wireless applications using the latest
cutting-edge communications technology. ReachNET's flagship product,
Wireless TTY, provides the deaf and hard of hearing with interactive, mobile
communications capabilities never before available.

ReachNET is developing additional revolutionary wireless applications for
other segments of the deaf and hard of hearing marketplace. ReachNET can be
accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.reachnet.net.

About BellSouth Wireless Data

BellSouth Wireless Data, L.P., headquartered in Woodbridge, N.J., is an
expert in providing proven wireless data communications solutions that
eliminate the barriers between critical information and mobile users. The
company, a winner of the prestigious Sears Innovation Source of the Year and
Partners in Progress awards, delivers a competitive advantage and increases
personal productivity for aggressive, innovative companies and individuals
leveraging communications technologies to meet their strategic goals.
BellSouth Wireless Data is a subsidiary of [BellSouth Corporation].
BellSouth Corporation provides telecommunications, wireless communications,
cable and digital TV, directory advertising and publishing, and Internet and
data services to nearly 34 million customers in 19 countries worldwide.
E-mail: Bellsouthwd.info at bellsouthwd.com. Web site address:
http://www.bellsouthwd.com.

(Copyright 1999)


-- ------------------------------
Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.
Professor - Human Factors
Dept of Ind. Engr. - U of Wis.
Director - Trace R & D Center
Gv at trace.wisc.edu, http://trace.wisc.edu/
FAX 608/262-8848
For a list of our listserves send "lists" to listproc at trace.wisc.edu