New SMS service targets deaf North Americans

Link: Text4Deaf Launches Text Messaging Site for the Deaf Community: Financial News – Yahoo! Finance

Text4Deaf.Com, a new communications-based website for the deaf community and the people with whom they interact, today announced the website officially launched. Powered by MobileSphere’s award-winning Joopz(TM) web texting technology, Text4Deaf enables real-time text messaging with a Web interface to cell phones, regardless of the carrier.

“Communications should be a two-way street, with everyone being able to reach each other, regardless of their hearing capacity, texting plans or availability,” stated Kerry Thompson, Text4Deaf spokesperson. “I’m very close to my family, and in spite of being over 1,500 miles away, we communicate often. Previously, we had to schedule TTY or Instant Message (IM) time, but now with the site they can send me texts at their convenience and reach me immediately. Our site allows the deaf and hearing communities to meet each other half way, and we believe others will use it as I do, communicating with family, friends and colleagues.”

 The service is free for up to 10 texts a month, with an unlimited texting option for the bargain price of $2.95/month or $19.95/year. 10% of all subscription purchases are donated to organisations that research, support and defend the deaf community.