Virgin Mobile to launch the world’s first mobile phone breathalyser

An increasing problem among mobile phone users is the temptation to call and text people during the course of an alcohol-fuelled evening. However, with an increase in sociability brought about by drinking alcohol comes a decreased level of judgement when it comes to the target of a late-night phone call or text, and the sentiment of those communications. Who during a late night has not called or texted an ex, a boss, a lover or a friend and said something that they shudder to recall in the cold light of day (if indeed they can recall it at all!)?

So, in response to consumer demands for a technological solution to this mobile phone-based problem, Virgin Mobile has today unveiled a mobile phone with a built-in breathalyser, called The Alco-Phone.

With the Alco-Phone a customer simply goes through their phone book to identify contacts who might be at high risk of receiving a drunken communication, should the user have a momentary lack of inhibition or will-power. The user then sets a time window – say 7pm until 3am - during which the phone will remained ‘locked’, and calls and texts may only be permitted after he or she has blown into the breathalyser attachment on the bottom of the phone.

If the user is below the maximum legal permitted limit for drivers of 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 mililitres of breath, the phone will unlock itself, and the user is permitted to make one call or send one text. At between 35 and 70 micrograms the phone will permit calls and texts to be sent to contacts in the phone book who have not been identified as ‘high risk’. Any phone whose reading is greater than 70 micrograms will remain locked, and able to make 999 calls only.

Tom Alexander, Chief Executive of Virgin Mobile, said: “If you like a drink and are prone to sending inappropriate or regrettable texts at the same time, then this is the phone for you! We believe that the Alco-Phone is destined to save the relationships of millions of people!”.