AARP Announces Flexible Cell-Phone Plans for Members

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The AARP, through its products division, said Monday it will offer to its members flexible cell-phone plans that don't require long-term contracts or include early termination fees.

AARP said it undertook the initiative after it determined the telecommunications industry was doing a poor job providing cellular plans that meet the needs of the elderly. "AARP has used the power of its nearly 40 million members to help influence the telecom market and improve cell phone plans for our members," Bill Novelli, AARP's chief executive, said instatement.

The program is a partnership between AARP and Consumer Cellular, a Portland, Ore.-based cellular company that the AARP said met the standards it sought in creating flexible cell phone plans.

The plans will offer AARP members discounts on monthly access, airtime rates and some accessories. Members will also be able to change or cancel their plans without any penalties, change the phone to another cellular network and select flexible bill cycles. Plans will start at $10 a month.

Elderly members will also be extended a 45-day trial period. And, the phones and phone numbers are transferable to another provider.

"AARP is hoping that, through these new products, it will help to drive change in a telecom industry that has been criticized for its lack of flexibility with consumers," said AARP spokeswoman Amanda Sobanet.

-By Christina M. Wright, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-6687; christina.wright@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

Posted to the site on 18th August 2008