Saw this technology article on another list.  Though it deals with the
deaf community specifically, it shows how technology is changing the world
for all of us.

Steve

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 15:19:52 -0500
From: Gregg Vanderheiden <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
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@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@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: [log in to unmask] 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
[log in to unmask], http://trace.wisc.edu/
FAX 608/262-8848
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