It looks like the NSA is about to have a rival in the spying business— good old Mom and Pops.
Got a feeling your kids are up to no good? Want to monitor your kids’ data usage? Need to lock your son out of his phone because he won’t do his homework?
Good news for you— Verizon has announced “FamilyBase,” which will let parents (or account administrators) monitor and limit calling, texting, app usage, app purchases, as well as set time restrictions and review contact lists. The feature to remotely lock their devices on demand is also available.
Big Red is making the service available for $5/month for up to 10 lines— it’s only for Android devices running 2.1 or higher. (So pretty much all of you can use it.) To set it up, parents can visit familybase.vzw.com, or by calling SAFE, or by texting SAFE to #7233. The apps are also available in the Play store.
Check out the press release after the break for more info.
HOUSTON, Jul 11, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Verizon Wireless today announced the availability of Verizon FamilyBase(TM), an enhanced service that allows parents to monitor and control their child’s wireless usage, to promote the safe and responsible use of smartphone technology.
Verizon FamilyBase(TM) helps customers protect against overage charges and monitor usage on their accounts. It is especially helpful for parents who have children on their account. The service enables parents to monitor and limit calling, texting, app usage, and app purchases, set time restrictions, review contact lists and set trusted contacts. FamilyBase also allows parents remotely lock a phone on demand.
There are countless reasons a parent would consider giving their child a smartphone, from safety and security to help with their homework. However, many parents still struggle with the questions of when to give their child a phone and how to keep some control over how it is used. Verizon FamilyBase(TM) helps ease those concerns and gives parents unprecedented access to their child’s activity on a range of mobile devices.
Verizon FamilyBase is available for $5.00 per month, for up to 10 lines. The first month is available to customers at no charge. All features of Verizon FamilyBase are available on most Android phones running version 2.1 or higher but is not compatible with iOS, Windows, and BlackBerry phones.
Customer can sign up for Verizon FamilyBase and load the Companion and Parents apps at familybase.vzw.com, by calling **SAFE, or by texting SAFE to #7233. The Companion and Parent Applications are also available at Google Play.
For Verizon Wireless Updates on Twitter
Stay in the know about Verizon Wireless news in Houston, Beaumont, Bryan College Station and Lufkin by following @VZWGretchen on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWGretchen. For the latest on products, corporate initiatives and perspectives, follow @VZWNews at http://twitter.com/VZWnews.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 98.2 million retail customers, including 92.5 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 73,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Come comment on this article: Verizon releases ‘FamilyBase,’ gives nearly complete control over kids’ phones to parents
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