This week, GreatCall announced the nationwide availability of its mobile personal emergency response system (mPERS), called 5Star. GreatCall subscribers who use a Jitterbug J phone can add the 24/7 emergency service to their rate plan for an additional $14.99 per month. GreatCall acquired mPERS startup MobiWatch in November 2009, the all-stock deal for MobiWatch was valued at around $100,000, according to a regulatory filing.
"While at home or on the go, customers are immediately connected to a skilled response team of highly-trained, certified people who know where they are, can conference in family or friends, can dispatch 911 or get them any other assistance they may want to help them through uncertain or unsafe situations. The 5Star Response Agent will arrange for appropriate assistance and will stay on the line with customers until they are safe and secure."
Users press the (5) button on their phone and the (*) to reach the emergency response center. The agent who answers knows who the caller is and where they are located thanks to GPS technology. The agent also receives access to a personal profile of the user that includes emergency contacts, most-frequented locations, vehicle information, health conditions, and medications. In the event of an emergency the agent can conference in a local 911 operator and also notify family members.
"Traditional vehicle-based or home emergency response services, while effective on the road or in and around the user’s home, are often limited or expensive. 5Star Personal Security provides the freedom to live an active lifestyle and have help immediately available, from anywhere, at a very affordable price," GreatCall explains in its press release.
Of course, Philips Lifeline service is the big brand in PERS today -- but it is in the camp of "home emergency response services" GreatCall describes as "limited" in the quote above. However, it appears the two companies are working together already in some capacity to market each others' wares. This marketing page on Philips' site includes a pitch for GreatCall's Jitterbug phone service, but it makes no mention of the recently launched 5Star mPERS offering. Certainly lots of room for a more comprehensive partnership.
More details on 5Star from the GreatCall press release below:
Key Features of GreatCall’s 5Star Personal Security Service:
Simply dial the (5) and the (*) keys on the Jitterbug cell phone to be connected to a specially-trained response agent certified by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED).
GreatCall’s award winning LiveNurse app, which provides access to a live, registered nurse, 24/7, is included for FREE with 5Star and can be utilized during an incident to help determine the appropriate support of the customer.
The 5Star service allows the response agents to track the caller’s location, using enhanced location GPS technology, and dispatch the appropriate assistance.
The 5Star agent also has access to the customer’s Personal Profile, which includes information the customer has already provided such as the customer’s medications, emergency contacts, most-frequented locations and more, so they can personally assist with the customer’s concern or provide support to a 911 Operator if the customer has become unresponsive.
Customers can easily set up and manage their Personal Profile online at MyGreatCall.com or by calling GreatCall’s friendly 24/7 customer service representatives to update on the customers behalf.
GreatCall’s 5Star Personal Profile database is HIPAA compliant and secured by SAS70 Type II certified systems to ensure privacy of personal data.
The 5Star service is not a substitute for 911.
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About GreatCall, Inc.
GreatCall differentiates itself as a company of “People You Can Count On” to deliver wireless services focused on helping to keep customers connected, safe and healthy. The company stands apart from other wireless services providers through its simplified, personalized and humanized approach, as well as its commitment to providing a high-quality customer service experience. The company has been widely praised for its ability to deliver the benefits of innovation and technology in a meaningful and easy-to-use format. GreatCall has received prominent national media accolades from the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, The New York Times, Washington Post and major TV broadcast networks.
GreatCall’s services, apps and cell phone handsets are sold nationwide at leading retailers such as Best Buy, Sears, Sears Hometown Stores, Radio Shack Dealer Franchise, Fry’s Electronics and ShopKo, as well as direct to consumers at 1-800-918-8543 and online at GreatCall.com Service coverage includes the U.S. and Canada. GreatCall is located in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.GreatCall.com
