Jitterbug J lands at Verizon Wireless; Old folks rejoice!

Jitterbug J is now available at Verizon Wireless. We’re talking about the improved version of the device, the one that has the “full numeric keypad” not just few select buttons – Home, 911 and Operator. Still, it keeps its simple look and feel with those large buttons making it ideal for your grandparents. Plus, it’s not just the handset you buy with Jitterbug, but also the “outstanding, friendly customer support,” which translates into uber-patient people on the other side of the line… Full press release follows after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE – GreatCall, Inc., creator of the Jitterbug cell phone and a leader in delivering easy-to-use wireless services, and Verizon Wireless, owner and operator of the most reliable wireless network in the country, today announced that GreatCall’s Jitterbug will now run on the Verizon Wireless network through the wireless leader’s open development program.

The benefits for Jitterbug customers are exciting: Customers will now have the security and confidence of making calls on the most reliable wireless network in the country. Additionally, Jitterbug monthly services now offer more minutes and more affordable night and weekend calling than were previously available with Jitterbug plans. Customers also will benefit from ongoing wireless technology advances as Verizon Wireless invests billions of dollars every year to further extend its network reliability lead over other wireless providers. Jitterbug’s relationships with Verizon Wireless and Samsung, providing best-in-class mobile phone service and handsets, enable it to focus on launching new targeted wireless services that are simple and intuitive for customers to adopt and enjoy.

In a rapidly changing wireless industry, Jitterbug has created a simple-to-use cell phone that delivers the basics and makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family. Jitterbug continues to build on that platform, providing their customers with a “Services Store” that has a collection of easy-to-use applications that are backed by outstanding, friendly customer support.

“We know that there are a lot of people out there that just want a simple cell phone experience and together with Verizon Wireless, we can now offer more new services based on cutting edge wireless technology, and make our services more affordable,” said David Inns, chief executive officer of GreatCall. “Jitterbug is committed to giving our growing family of customers the best service experience possible, and this is another example of us achieving that goal.”

Verizon Wireless’ open development program is driven by the company’s goal of encouraging innovation, providing new wireless choices, and expanding the wireless market. The company continues to provide full-service offerings for business and consumer customers.

Anthony A. Lewis, vice president of open development at Verizon Wireless, said “Jitterbug has built a great brand. This relationship will speed and strengthen our ability to reach new customers with the most reliable network in the country. The addition of Verizon Wireless’ powerful network to the Jitterbug service is the perfect complement to Jitterbug’s commitment to simplicity.”

“Jitterbug’s popularity has validated our vision of bringing the best of mobile technology to our customers, served up in an elegant and personalized way,” said Arlene Harris, GreatCall founder and chairwoman of the board of directors. “Along with custom phones from world leader Samsung in place, the ability for Jitterbug phones to run on the Verizon Wireless network allows us to innovate for our simplicity minded customers and other development partners faster and easier than ever before.”

To try the Jitterbug service, call 1-8…, go to jitterbug.com or visit a select retailer including Sears, Radio Shack, CVS and ShopKo. Those interested can also visit the Jitterbug store locator online to find a retailer nearby. For more information about Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]