GiftVOX from MOBIVOX

Can Kids Keep in Contact if Gramps Gags on Gadgets? New Poll Finds Technology Gap Impacts Cross-Generational Communications

GiftVOX from MOBIVOX Bridges Gap by Providing Free International Calling to Entire Families…Whether They’re on a Razor or a Rotary

MONTREAL – Dec. 11, 2007 - Younger people hooked on instant communications like SMS and IM communicate differently with their grandparents due to the fear of new technology common among older people, according to a new poll released today by international call provider MOBIVOX*. 

While it may not entirely explain why kids don't reach out to Grandma as often as their parents would like, there are clear generational differences in how we communicate with family and friends.  Almost 60 percent of those under 35 say that they communicate differently with older, less tech savvy family members and friends.  This is probably not surprising since Grandpa is two times as likely to say that technology “gives him a headache” (less than 10 percent of those over 65 use SMS or IM regularly and over half still use letters).  And the impact of these barriers on relationships is felt across generations – one in three Americans, regardless of age, say that they don’t connect as often as they would like with those they love because they don’t use the same communications technology.

All hope for bridging the gap and sharing holiday cheer this season is not lost however. The poll also reveals that 60 percent of those under age 35 said that family and friends call them for help with their technology woes.  Now – thanks to MOBIVOX – they have a new way to overcome the generational digital divide and make connecting easier than ever.

MOBIVOX today launched GiftVOX, which lets every family’s go-to person set up free international calling for family members.  All the recipient has to do is call their local MOBIVOX access number and – during that first call – opt-in to activate their account.  No hassles.  GiftVOX eliminates the need to ever go online, program a contact list or learn to use a new gadget.

The benefits extend to the gift giver as well.  Since MOBIVOX members talk for free, GiftVOX means both the giver and recipient get free international calls.

“GiftVOX lets you give the gift of free calling to those you love most,” said Stéphane Marceau, MOBIVOX CEO.  “They don't need a computer, a credit card or even a calling card number. All they need is a mobile or landline phone and a loved one to talk to.” 

Because MOBIVOX allows members to connect from any phone, it is especially easy for older generations to use since eight in 10 of those over 65 rely on home landline phones to communicate (versus 50 percent using mobile phones and only one in three on email). 

“The beauty of GiftVOX is that it makes all the benefits of state-of-the-art global communications available to everyone,” continued Marceau.  “And the fact that it is free eliminates a major hurdle to staying close for both the Grandfather and his college student grandson.”

MOBIVOX is an international calling service that makes it possible to call friends and family around the world for free from ANY phone.  Calls are free to MOBIVOX members in more than 40 destinations and members save up to 98 percent on all other international calls. 

After registering for free at www.mobivox.com and uploading contacts, MOBIVOX members dial a local MOBIVOX access number to connect with friends and family a world away. 

Upon calling, members simply say the name of who they want to talk to – no need for a calling card and PIN numbers; computers, special software or complex downloads.  Additionally, the calls can be placed from any phone – mobile or landline. 

MOBIVOX is a privately held company whose investors include: IDG Ventures Boston, IDG Venture Investment China, IDG Ventures Vietnam, Brightspark and Skypoint.

For more information, please visit http://www.mobivox.com/.

See how free calls between MOBIVOX users work at www.mobivox.com/help/FAQ/.

* Telephone survey conducted by CARAVAN® Survey among a national probability sample of 1,017 adults comprising 509 men and 508 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households in the continental United States.  Interviewing was completed during the period November 23-26, 2007.  Full survey results available upon request.

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Contact:
Sue Huss
Sue.huss@comunicano.com
1-619-379-4396