INDIANAPOLIS, July 7, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- As thousands of young Hoosiers head to parks, swimming pools and other locations for summer fun, wireless carriers such as Verizon Wireless are using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to help parents keep in contact and keep track of their youngsters.
Advancements in wireless technology offer parents another way to stay connected with their children. One of those applications is Chaperone from Verizon Wireless. The product is currently available on the kid-friendly LG Migo handset, which has four programmable call buttons and a pre-programmed button for emergencies.
"A child carrying a Chaperone-enabled Migo phone will be able to quickly get in touch with parents or another responsible adult -- and even emergency personnel -- who can help," said Greg Haller, president of Verizon Wireless' Indiana/Kentucky/Michigan Region.
Chaperone offers parents two tracking options:
-- Chaperone Child Locator - Parents can locate their child's Migo
phone from a PC via the Chaperone website
(www.VerizonWireless.com/Chaperone). Through this service,
they can:
-- Perform single location requests of the Migo phone's
whereabouts and map the phone's location on the Chaperone
website or on their Verizon Wireless phone.
-- Program the Migo phone's automatic calling buttons from the
Chaperone website.
-- Chaperone with Child Zone - Using the Chaperone website, a parent
can construct a boundary, also known as a Child Zone, around the
locations their child frequents. Different locations can be
"zoned" for a specific length of time or up to 24 hours. When the
child enters or leaves the predetermined area with their Migo
phone, the parent receives a text message alert on his or her
Verizon Wireless phone.
Chaperone is available through a Family SharePlan from Verizon Wireless. A Migo phone must be included on the account. Parents can add the basic Chaperone service for $9.99 monthly access per line or add Chaperone Child Locator and Chaperone with Child Zone for $19.99 monthly access per line.