The release of the Telstra EasyCall 2 mobile phone adds to our recent clutch stories on the return-to-simplicity and made-for-seniors phones, such as John’s Phone and the Doro PhoneEasy 410s gsm.
“With big buttons and large numbers on the screen for easy dialling, the EasyCall 2 has audible key tones so you can hear the numbers you are typing and make sure you’re dialling the right number.
“There is a quick access switch on the back of the phone, which older customers can use if they ever need to make a call in a hurry.
“For instance, flicking the switch activates the speaker phone and dials their preferred phone number, so even if they can’t hold the phone up to their ear they can still speak to someone. At the same time, it will send a SMS message to four pre-programmed numbers, so seniors can simultaneously contact friends and family,” Ms O’Flaherty said.
In addition to the EasyCall 2’s suitability for seniors, the phone also carries Telstra’s Blue Tick accreditation, indicating its suitability for coverage in rural and regional areas.
Battery life can be extended through the ability to set power on and power off times.
Another handy, and potentially life-saving, feature, is the dedicated personal alarm switch. This red switch is located on the rear of the EasyCall 2, and via the phone’s menu allows you to input one phone number and up to three SMS, to be activated by a single press of the switch. The phone number you specify would immediately be dialled, and text messages sent. The messages could as simple as a “Gone to the shops’, or “Help, I’m having a turn”.
Telstra EasyCall 2 price and availability
The EasyCall 2 can be purchased for $99, with the initial price including a pre-paid SIM card and $10 credit, with a 30-day expiry period on the credit. It is available from, from, you guessed it, Telstra stores and dealers.
Telstra EasyCall 2 features
- Network: UMTS: 850mHz; GSM: 900/1800mHz
- Talk time: Up to 180 minutes
- Standby time: Up to 300 hours
- An in-built torch to help see in the dark
- T-Coil hearing aid compatibility
- Dedicated keypad lock / unlock side switch
- FM radio
- Calculator
- Organiser
- Alarm clock
- Dimensions: 109 x 50.8 x 13.3 mm
- Weight: 86.1 grams