World Federation of the Deaf supports an Aspiro invention

World Federation of the Deaf supports an Aspiro invention Sweden's Telesta, recently acquired by Aspiro, has signed an agreement with the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) to join efforts working for the goal that the Mobile Text Telephony Service will be made available in as many countries as possible. Aspiro's Telesta, has developed a service for Mobile Text Telephony. The technology behind the product is unique and highly sophisticated; yet proof again of the leading position Sweden has on the mobile development area. The primary target group for the service is deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired. The Deaf Community represents more than 70 million people worldwide. These groups have a true need for the service, since they cannot use ordinary telephones such as normal mobile phones, public telephone booths, etc. "The collaboration with WFD is highly important, as it amongst others will give Telesta a unique possibility to connect with local deaf organizations in many different countries, and hence receive feedback on the service from the end users. This facilitates the customization and adaptation for each country" says Thorleif Herrström, CEO of Telesta. "The Mobile Text Telephony service can make life easier for many of our members, and they would love to see this service spread out in as many countries as possible" says General Secretary for the WFD, Carol-Lee Aquiline, who has been using the Mobile Text Telephony service for more than a year now and cannot imagine life without it. In the United States, Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which requires telecom companies to make their products and services accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission states that all digital phones must be compatible with TTY devices, which has put pressure on the operators and device manufacturers to adjust their equipment and networks to conform to these laws. Telesta, who introduced the service internationally in September 1999 in the presence of the Swedish royalties, is now in negotiations with several operators around the world regarding integration of the service. The Mobile Text Telephony will be demonstrated at the GSM World Exhibition in st th th Cannes, February 1 -4 and at CeBIT in Hannover, February 24 -March st 1 . For further questions please contact: Thorleif Herrström, CEO Telesta, Tel: +46 8 587 560 20, Mobile text phone: +46 709 19 28 40 Erik Snabb, VP, Telesta, Tel +46 708 29 45 71, Mobile text phone +46 709 19 45 71 Carol-lee Aquiline, General Secretary, WFD, Mobile text phone: +46-709-19 00 28 Jörgen Adolfsson, CEO, Aspiro; Mobile text phone; +46-709-91 80 03 About Aspiro Aspiro develops wireless applications and services, using WAP, SMS, GPRS and other innovative technologies. Aspiro offers operators, content providers and mobile organizations a wide range of products and services, from pre-packaged WAP services to strategy consulting involving value- added services. Founded in 1998 Aspiro is today one of the world's leading developers of mobile applications and services. The company has over 70 employees and offices located in Sweden and Norway. A subsidiary has been established in Luxembourg and the company is planning establishment of more offices in Europe and around the world. Aspiro's business concept, organization and operations is based on many years of experience gained in the wireless telecommunications and IT industries. More information about Aspiro can be found on www.aspiro.com About Telesta Telesta is a mobile telecom development company that has produces Mobile Text Telephony - a service that enables the deaf and those with impaired hearing and speech disabilities to use mobile telephony services. Telesta has an agreement with Europolitan and is negotiating with several international mobile telephony operators about offering the Mobile Text Telephony service in those countries. Telesta, which is a part of the Aspiro-group, was founded in 1994 and employs 20 people with offices in Stockholm, Boston and Hong Kong About WFD The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established in Rome, Italy, in 1951, and is now one of the oldest organisations of people with disabilities. The WFD is a non-political organisation representing the Deaf Community all over the world. WFD works for human rights and equal possibilities for deaf people everywhere in society. Being the peak international non-governmental organisation for Deaf people around the world, WFD represents approximately 70 million people. Membership comprises national organisations of Deaf people in 120 countries; and associate, international and individual members. WFD has seven Regional Secretariats and one Co-operating Partner in various regions throughout the world. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/01/27/20000127BIT00460/bit0001.DOC http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/01/27/20000127BIT00460/bit0002.pdf