Cyclone 911 Prepaid Disposable Cell phone FAQ's
Pre-view our "enhanced" Cyclone phone
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about New Horizons and the
Cyclone Call-On-Demand phone:
Who is New Horizons Technologies and what is the Cyclone?
New Horizons Technologies International (NHTI) was formed in 1999 to search for and develop innovative new personal communications product concepts meeting unfulfilled needs, and bring those concepts to market. One of the first product concepts taken into development was a low cost wireless phone we call the Cyclone. Beyond being just low cost, what has evolved is a revolutionary new hybrid wireless product that may be sold either for one-time-use (disposable), or for use as a refreshable low-end wireless phone, adaptable for both prepaid and postpaid consumer markets.
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Why did New Horizons feel the need to introduce "another" cell phone?
The concept wasn't to design just another cell phone, but to build a phone that literally anyone could afford to buy, without any restrictions. Current wireless products still cost too much for the average consumer to afford. Manufacturers build product for the top end of the market, the heavy airtime user, virtually ignoring the low end of the wireless market. Consequently, most consumers still don't own a wireless phone.
With basic needs and a concern for cost, groups such as the safety-security "glove
box user," the elderly, teens and the credit-challenged, currently have no affordable
wireless options. NHTI believes that these groups continue to be overlooked,
yet they represent the largest growth segment in the industry. Cost is
the main concern to most consumers, and if wireless becomes more affordable -
for both wireless operators and consumers, millions of new users can be brought
into service - profitably.
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Can Cyclone just be used as a 9-1-1 "emergency phone"?
Yes it can. Cyclone is designed to meet all emergency services requirements. Used as a safety phone, Cyclone will work indefinitely to call 9-1-1, providing consumers with convenience and peace of mind, knowing you can always call for help in case of an emergency.
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Cyclone is recyclable - how?
There are millions of old cell phones, no longer in use, thrown away annually in landfills. New Horizons believes that is critical to keep cell phones out of landfills, and to that end has utilized significant resources to create a patented design that can be easily and efficiently recycled. Customers no longer using Cyclones are financially incentified to return unwanted used phones to the company, where the phones are disassembled, tested, and new cases and mechanical parts are assembled. Unusable phones are sent to harvesting, where usable materials are recovered for future use.
We wonder why all cell phones aren't designed this way?
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Who would be the market for the Cyclone?
It's a great safety and security phone, perfect for glove box users. But
the Cyclone
will be a hot item for a wide range if users, including:
Safety-phone users,
Credit-challenged,
New wireless users,
Children, teens and seniors,
International visitors,
Business and leisure travelers,
And more!
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Why haven't any of the major manufacturers done something like this already?
They've tried. Our on-going research indicates that more than one major manufacturer has spent significant time and resources evaluating the concept and gave it up as either too expensive to build or they felt it was a threat to their current business model of building to the high-end user. Some manufacturers even bought up low-end product designs and shelved them.
New Horizons minimizes its infrastructure and passes those savings along through lower costs. NHTI is designing the product for high volume, low cost assembly and has reduced component content to its bare minimum - a reduction of over two-thirds the number of components used in a "normal" wireless phone. Traditional wireless design says this can't be done - UNTIL NOW!
Much of the most innovative design work is now being done outside the walls
of the major manufacturer. New Horizons has contracted some of the
world's best and the brightest design engineers to develop this product.
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How much does the Cyclone cost?
Retail prices may vary, but the suggested retail price of the Cyclone is $49.95
for the CALL-ON-DEMAND phone.
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How much does it cost to make and receive calls?
Calls only go out to 911 calls and are free.
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Does it cost the same no matter where I use the phone?
With the Cyclone CALL-ON-DEMAND phone, the rates are free for 911 calls. Other calls can not be made.
Is the price per minute the same whenever I call?
(see above)
What if I don't talk a whole minute?
Calls are free to 911.
How is the phone activated?
Turn the phone on per included instructions and dial 911.
How is airtime added to the phone?
Airtime is never a concern as the 911 calls are free. No other calls can be made or received.
Does airtime expire?
No, there is no airtime to expire.
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Who provides the airtime service for the Cyclone?
The FCC has ruled that 911 calls be made available nationwide, free of charge.
Is there coverage where I live? Where can the Cyclone be used?
The FCC has ruled that 911 calls be made available nationwide, free of charge. Service is limited to available tower networking.
How good is the cellular coverage?
The FCC has ruled that 911 calls be made available nationwide, free of charge. Service is limited to available tower networking.
Does the coverage include "roaming"?
The FCC has ruled that 911 calls be made available nationwide, free of charge. Service is limited to available tower networking.
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Are there peak, off-peak, night or weekend rates?
The FCC has ruled that 911 calls be made available nationwide, free of charge. Service is limited to available tower networking.
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Is there an activation fee?
No.
Do I have to go through a credit check?
Absolutely not! There's no credit check, no credit card, no contracts and no monthly bills.
If I use my phone infrequently, do I need to charge it for several hours before use?
No way! The Cyclone is powered by three Duracell Copper Top AA size alkaline
batteries, which provide long-lasting, "always ready" power, which
is important in case of an emergency. Unlike the batteries that power most
cell phones, Duracell CopperTop batteries do not need recharging and are convenient
to replace. Duracell CopperTop was enhanced last year to last significantly
longer than ever before in today's devices.
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How long do the batteries last?
In continuous-use testing, Cyclone performed well with Duracell CopperTop batteries, providing up to 2.5 hours of talk-time, and up to 72 hours of stand-by time. Of course your actual talk-time and stand-by times may vary due to location and conditions. New Horizons recommends always using Duracell alkaline cells to power the Cyclone.
