T-Mobile launches kidConnect service
By Donald Melanson 
posted Jun 13th 2006 8:51PM
posted Jun 13th 2006 8:51PM
T-Mobile's launched a new service aimed at parents looking to placate their kid's incessant begging for a cellphone, but still maintain some control over how much they use it. kidConnect will give kids unlimited weekend minutes and a set number of "whenever minutes" (50 under the $19.99/month plan, with parents able to buy more) after which the service is cut off so they don't run up the bill -- kids can also trade in their whenever minutes for text message credits, although those'll dry up pretty quick at 4 text messages per minute. Regardless of how many minutes they use, however, they'll always be able to call their parents phone, or call 911. And unlike the myriad of other kids' cellphones, kidConnect will work with any T-Mobile phone, which we're guessing most kids would prefer anyway.[Via Slashphone]
It's 4 text-messsages per minute not 4 minutes per text
i actually think this is much better than what most companies are offering. now if only T-Mobile had better coverage...
When the child runs out of the 50 minutes, prepaid cards can be refilled to the account. So that way if the kid wants more, they can use their allowance or mom and dad can buy them. Those prepaid card minutes roll over until they're used without expiration as well, which is nice. Also, once the 50 minutes are used, the youngin' can still call 911, any T-Mobile customer at any time or anyone after 9PM, not leaving them totally inaccessable.
This looks like a great offering, well featured and well priced for the market they're targeting. I don't see it available yet on T-Mobile.com. Is there an ETA for U.S. stores/online?
This is available now. For more info (as they say), go to www.t-mobile.com/kidconnect
does this plan have free nights and if not can it b added on the plan?