RCC completes installation of voice recognition system

Rural Cellular Corporation (RCC) has completed the installation and integration of the Preferred Voice Inc. (Dallas, TX) Voice Integrated Platform System (VIPS) at its corporate office in Alexandria, MN. RCC will market the voice activated dialing feature under the name Voice Dial in all of its operating regions, beginning with the Midwest Region on October 1, 2000.

The carrier chose a network-based system because it all of its customers to be able to use the service without buying a new phone. The speech recognition technology requires no extra equipment for the subscriber to buy or install. To get into the speech recognition service, users push #0. Then, by using their voice, customers can dial, look up directory names, modify their address book entries, and perform various speech-enabled, voice-independent functions while using any wireless phone. The system holds 25 names and numbers and eliminates the need to voice train each entry.

"The addition of voice activated dialing to our extensive line of value-added features is a perfect match," said Richard Ekstrand, Rural Cellular Corp. president and CEO. "Voice activated dialing enables our customers to enjoy the benefits of virtually hands-free use of their wireless phone increasing its convenience and flexibility. The Preferred Voice revenue-sharing program enables us to offer speech recognition at a low monthly fee so everyone can afford the added safety and convenience of voice dialing. There is absolutely no extra equipment for our customers to buy or install."

Edited by Ellen Jensen
Managing Editor, Wireless Networks Online