Digital Wireless Phone Service Providers Resource Sheet

January 2004 (updated April 2008)

Overview:

While wireless or mobile phones have been available for some time, the introduction and speedy acceptance of digital technology since the mid-1990s has greatly accelerated their market presence. Digital offers several user advantages over analog technology, and also opens the door to other Internet-related technologies like communication via email and viewing prices, products, and services on the web. For example, a farmer or rancher might use a digital phone with built-in camera to send a picture of a machinery problem to a local dealer for diagnosis prior to requesting the proper repair parts. Digital wireless phone users also benefit from smaller handsets with longer battery lives and generally better quality voice connections than found in previous mobile technologies.

Who Benefits:

Anyone who requires two-way communication for assistance and/or safety reasons may benefit from using wireless phones. This might include farmers and ranchers with physical disabilities (e.g., back or spinal cord injuries, muscle weakness, chronic back pain, amputations, balance difficulties, and arthritis) that make getting into and out of a tractor or a self-propelled unit/truck very difficult. This might also include farmers and ranchers who use all-terrain or utility vehicles (e.g., ATVs, UVs, outdoor-wheelchairs) that allow them to access remote areas of their farm or ranch. For on-the-farm communication, citizen band or FM radio handsets might be sufficient for two-way communication, but for off-the-farm communication, digital wireless phones offer additional capabilities. Prior to purchasing a digital wireless phone, check with the provider to be sure coverage is adequate in your local area. Also note that many of the providers offer service plans or adaptive equipment, which increase accessibility for people with disabilities.

Example Digital Wireless Phone Service Providers:

Cellular One http://www.cellularone.com	T-Mobile http://www.t-mobile.com
AT&T http://www.wireless.att.com/home/	Verizon Wireless http://www.verizon.com
NEXTEL http://www.nextel.com	U.S. Cellular http://www.uscellular.com
Sprint PCS http://www.sprint.com

Considerations:

Check with your state AgrAbility Project ( http://www.agrabilityproject.org/stateprojects.cfm ) for assistance in locating other digital wireless phone service providers sold in or providing coverage for your local area. Remember, for safety reasons wireless phones should not be used when operating vehicles (e.g., car, truck, tractor, combine, ATV, UV, etc.) on or off the roadway.

* NOTE: Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product, or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the University of Wisconsin , Easter Seals, or the AgrAbility Project, and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.

The AgrAbility Project is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture CSREES. Funding for this document was provided under project number 00-41590-0932.