Samsung recalls Jitterbugcell phones

According to a report by the United Press International, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Samsung "Jitterbug" cell phones that fail to reach emergency 911 in some areas.

About 160,000 of the phones made by Samsung Telecommunications America of Richardson, Texas, were sold nationwide from March 2008 through May 2009 for about $150.

Samsung said when they're in a no service area and display an "out of range, try again later" message the phone might not connect to 911 as it should.

The "Jitterbug" cell phones with model numbers SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 with version BB14 software can fail to reach emergency services when needed, the commission said in a statement.

Consumers were advised to contact Samsung for a free software upgrade on the phones.

(May 23, 2009)