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Panic button not possible, say handset manufacturers
Posted on: 13/Jul/2016 9:40:43 AM
A recent report has claimed that handset makers catering to India have explained that it wont be possible to employ panic buttons on existing devices but ensured all new phones will equip the feature by January 2017. This is the deadline set by the Telecom department for the same.
The President of the Indian Cellular Association, ICA, made the announcement. Reports say that he made the announcement on behalf of manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Micromax, and Intex. The ICA President said, It is impossible to incorporate panic buttons on existing devices. Though the industry supports all efforts to ensure maximum safety for women, the telecom department had only requested the manufacturers to install a panic button in existing phones. No clear directive was issued.
The Department of Telecom, or the DoT, had asked handset manufacturers to install a software in the handsets that would enable a panic button. However, the DoT did not give them a timeline. Many manufacturers expressed shock and concern as there was already a large number of existing smartphones in circulation.
The DoT had also said that distress calls will be connected to the all-inclusive emergency number 112 but testing of the service can commence with the present emergency number 100. They also said that calls or distress alerts to the emergency number should be free of charge, provided there is a SIM card inserted.
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