Vodacom has unveiled what it claims is SA's first SMS emergency service for deaf, hearing and speech impaired customers.
The Vodacom 082 112 SMS Emergency Service is free and exclusively provided for Vodacom Prepaid, Contract and Top Up customers who are deaf, hearing and speech impaired.
According to the mobile operator, the service addresses a serious need that currently exists in the market. Previously, deaf and hearing impaired persons were unable to contact an emergency service centre as it could only be accessed via voice calls.
The new Vodacom 082 112 SMS Emergency Service provides deaf and hearing impaired customers with the option to request emergency services such as police, fire and ambulance services by sending an SMS to 082 112.
In order to use this new service, deaf and hearing impaired customers need only register their details by sending an SMS to 082 112.
Karen Smit, Vodacom's principal Specialist for Specific Needs, says that this is a first for SA and the continent and continues on Vodacom's promise to provide peace of mind for deaf and hearing impaired persons.
"We are confident that this initiative will assist in promoting the ability to communicate for deaf and hearing impaired customers through digital inclusion as they can now request help should they experience an emergency situation."
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