Cell Phones for Seniors: Important Jitterbug Phone Software Update

We have featured the Jitterbug phone and service in this cell phone for seniors blog. The Jitterbug is one of the leading mobile phone for seniors in the market. However, this device is also imperfect and performance issues could sometimes affect its performance.

Samsung has issued a voluntary recall of Jitterbug phone units because of an issue that causes the device to fail when connecting to 911 emergency services. This Jitterbug phone problem most often occurs when users roam outside of their defined calling area or in the a no-service area.

However, Jitterbug phones will operate normally in users' home regions.

Owners of the Jitterbug phone may visit a customer service center to have the phone's system software updated. The models SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 are included in this update. Customers can also send the phone directly to Samsung, which will upgrade the phone and return it within about a week.

Here's a letter from Sue Weaver VP of Customer Service for Jitterbug regarding this problem:

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.