Sprint Nextel Corp. is making an effort to adapt its services for an older crowd. The carrier has launched Sprint WebCapTel® On the Go, a free mobile Web-based service that displays word-for-word captions on Windows Mobile 6 Web browsers for those with impaired hearing. The application will run on devices such as the Diamond and the Mogul by HTC Corp., Palm Treo 800w and the MOTO Q9c by Motorola Inc.

WebCapTel On the Go, developed by Ultratec Inc., allows customers to make calls by using two phones, one for reading the captions while speaking and listening on the other handset. This new service is an upgraded and more portable version of Sprint’s existing WebCapTel product. The old version did not work on two handsets; a customer had to read the captions on a computer with an Internet Browser. To launch the captions for the On the Go service, users must log on to www.sprintcaptel.com on one of their phones before making a call. Sprint Nextel said WebCapTel On the Go works on wireless devices with Widows Mobile 6 or Apple Safari Web.

“Sprint WebCapTel On the Go allows individuals with hearing loss the mobility that many of us take for granted,” said Robert Engelke, president of Ultratec. “It gives people with hearing loss the independence to make and receive telephone calls without the necessity of wireline phones or computer connectivity.”

Hearing loss tends to be a problem with senior citizens, but many of them still want to use cellphones. Carriers have noticed this and focused on this issue time and again. In honor of Old Americans Month this year (May), mobile operators such as AT&T Mobility held classes and tutorials to help seniors get the right know-how for their devices. Many carriers also have developed devices that are easier to use and more user-friendly for an older crowd.

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