Jitterbug issues "safety notice" about recalled Samsung phones

May 26, 2009

08:34 am

Yesterday we reported on the voluntary recall that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced for some 160,000 Samsung "Jitterbug" phones sold between March 2008 and May 2009. Some of the phones could potentially fail to connect to 911 services when in an out-of-service area. While the setback is a substantial one for the closely held mobile service for seniors, the company is working with Samsung to update the affected phones software and fix the problem.

Here's the letter Jitterbug posted on its website for its users:

Important Safety Notice

At Jitterbug, we always put our customers first. Your safety and peace of mind are our primary considerations. When we learned that many of the Jitterbug phones sold after March 1, 2008 have a software issue that could, in a "no service" area, impact certain Jitterbug phones' ability to connect with 911 emergency services, we began working with Samsung, the manufacturer of the Jitterbug, to resolve this issue.

Please be assured that this software issue does NOT affect your basic cellular service. You may continue to make and receive calls, including 911 emergency calls, wherever Jitterbug cellular service is available. Again, this is an issue only when there is "no service" available on your Jitterbug phone. So if you are in an area where you are normally able to make phone calls, this software issue will not present a problem.

Although this issue potentially affects only a small number of phone users, Samsung is providing a free update of the software in most Jitterbug phones sold after March 1, 2008. Customers eligible for the software upgrade will receive a letter from Samsung explaining the two easy methods available: 1) visit one of the designated Samsung Service Centers in your area or 2) send your phone to Samsung's Service Center using the prepaid envelope included in the letter.

As always, our Customer Service team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with any questions regarding this issue or any other service need you may have. Simply call 1-800-733-6632.

Best regards,

Sue Weaver
VP, Customer Service

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