New Cell Phone Targets Less Tech-Savvy

On Sunday, Dong-A Ilbo had a phone interview with Martin Cooper, who is widely considered “the father of cell phones,” and listened about the future of mobile communications services for the elderly.

Q: Jitterbug is very different from any other cell phone. Without any complicated functions, I notice that it only has three buttons for calling a live operator, retrieving massages, and for security access.

“My dream now, as it has been before, is to realize mobile communications that enables every person to be free. Cell phones should not be an exclusive possession of the young who are very sensitive to IT. Everyone, no matter young or old, should be able to enjoy it. I know that Samsung Electronics’ president Lee Kun-hee shares the same view with me.”

The name “Jitterbug” originates from the popular dance in the 1930’s. It is meant to stir the nostalgia of the older consumers. Last month, the Wall Street Journal made news of the new cell phone, predicting that Jitterbug represented “building a business around that market, which is expected to grow as baby boomers age.”

Q: How are we supposed to make phone calls with such a simple device?

“The device itself seems to be very simple, but the involved technology is quite complicated. Let’s say that you have a cutting-edge automobile. Will you be reading the manual of the car every time you drive it? No. Good technology means a complicated technology that enables a simpler life for people.”

“Jitterbug” users only have to press the “operator” button and request a connection with the person they want to talk to. The frequently used phone numbers can be saved in the “retrieve” button in advance and used whenever needed. The device costs $100, and the monthly rate is $10, which is a lot cheaper compared to current domestic pricing.

Q: In Korea, cell phones have too many functions in them, including MP3 player, camera, etc. As a result, the price of cell phones is generally too high, limiting the consumers’ right to access diverse prices.

“Not only among the elderly, but also among the young, there are people who do not welcome the current trend of convergence. I suppose that Korean companies will sooner or later have to remake phones that are dedicated exclusively for making calls.”

The Jitterbug will be launched in May, the month with both the Korean and U.S. versions of Mother’s Day (in Korea’s case, Parents’ Day). Dong-A Ilbo asked Cooper whether he ever received a digital device for a present from his children or grandchildren.

Cooper said laughing, “They know that I’m the one who rushes to buy any new digital device as soon as it is out in the market, so that’s never happened. To me, the most blessing present is for my family to visit me and have a fun time enjoying water sports at the beach in front of my house.”

Sun-Mi Kim kimsunmi@donga.com