The company says the Easy Answer phone combines the use it anywhere flexibility of a mobile phone and the ease of use of an ordinary larger button desktop telephone.
The insertion of a mobile phone SIM is all that is required for instant connection to any UK GSM cellular wireless network without the delay or expense of landline installation or connection
Using a Pay As You Go SIM avoids having to pay a monthly line rental even if the phone is not used.
The P230 Easy Answer phone can automatically answer calls in handsfree mode for those who are able to talk but are unable to come to or operate their phone.
This new accessibility feature is available only to VIP callers whose numbers are stored in the phone's memory keys. The phone goes back 'on hook' automatically after the caller has hung up.
Text messages can also be sent and received.
A hotline number can be called simply by lifting the handset or pressing the handsfree key.
Simon McLean Product Manager - Technology of RNIB said "We chose to offer the Burnside phone because it offers the text message, portability and no line rental features of a mobile phone whilst providing the comforting familiarity and feel of a desktop, fixed line telephone."
The model P230 is a new addition to a range of Burnside desktop mobile phones already in use by amongst others Sainsbury's, Tesco, Metropolitan Police and The Cabinet Office.
The P230 Easy Answer phone may be bought for £173.64 inc VAT from RNIB's Online shop. http://bit.ly/P230RNIB