T-Mobile to provide free data to the blind for navigation

A unique solution for navigation for the blind has been developed by the Czech Technical University
A special white cane connected with a smartphone and the navigation centre
T-Mobile will provide free data access

Specialists at the Czech Technical University (CTU) in Prague have developed a unique solution for navigation for the blind, which is based on a special white cane connected with a smartphone and the navigation centre. T-Mobile was one of the partners supporting its development. When the new solution is put into practice, which is envisaged for the second quarter of 2015, the operator will also provide free data access to users of the navigation service.

“T-Mobile has been a loyal partner of CTU for fifteen years now and the new solution for navigation for the blind has been developed also thanks to its support,” says Prof. Pavel Ripka, Dean of CTU’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering, adding: “It is equally important that the new service reaches those for whom it is intended. T-Mobile was very helpful in this respect too and promises to significantly increase its availability by offering free data.”

The solution called “Advanced Navigation for the Blind” was developed by experts from the Department of Telecommunications Engineering at CTU’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Prague. It uses global navigation satellite systems to determine the location of a blind person, including indication on a map, and mobile networks for data transmission. The advanced navigation is based on a special cane for the blind. Its grip is an interface with control keys by means of which the cane can be connected with a smartphone and the navigation web portal with access both to professional navigation centres and users’ families.

Before setting out on a trip, blind persons will choose whether they will be remotely assisted with navigation by an employee of the centre or by a member of their family or a friend. They can then contact the navigator by phone to check their location; thanks to the possibility of online image transmission from the camera of their mobile phone, they can also enquire about detailed information such as “which buzzer at the door”, “which product from the rack” or “which consulting room in a health centre”.

It is envisaged that the advanced navigation will be put into practice in the second quarter of 2016. The solution will be offered through TyfloCenter and the possibility of its use will be conditioned by prior training.

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.