Frequently Asked Questions - Pilot
About the Product
What exactly is this phone?
It’s a modern re-creation of a home landline phone made especially for kids.
It connects over Wi-Fi and uses internet calling (VoIP) to make and receive calls.
There’s no web browser, social media, or games — just voice calls.
Why make a phone for kids?
We wanted to give our kids independence and connection without opening the door to the whole internet.
Talking on the phone builds confidence, empathy, and belonging — the kind of social skills screens often replace.
Who’s behind this?
We’re Elspeth, Shaun, and Morgan — two parents and one very active uncle — who all share a passion for keeping kids happy, healthy and… well, human in this increasingly digital and artificially intelligent world.
Is this phone available to everyone?
Sort of. The current release is a pilot for First Families by invitation only.
Your experience will help us refine the design, reliability, and features before a wider launch.
We will also start selling phones in small quantities via this site and email homephoneforkidspilot@gmail.com.
Safety & Privacy
Is it safe?
Yes. The phone uses encrypted calling technology and can’t be used for web browsing, apps, or social media.
Can anyone call this phone?
Only people who know the phone’s number can call in. There’s no public directory or discovery system.
Can my child call anyone?
Kids can call any Australian number.
Family and friends overseas can call in, but outbound international calls aren’t available yet.
Will strangers ever message or contact my child?
No. There are no apps, messages, feeds, or chat features — only voice calls.
Are calls recorded?
Never. We only collect basic connection details (call time and duration) to improve reliability and safety.
What data do you collect?
Only what’s needed to run the service:
Call start and end times
Duration and quality metrics
Basic sign-up details (name, email, address)
We don’t sell data or use it for marketing.
Does the phone support 000 (emergency) calls?
Not yet. Please keep a mobile phone nearby for emergencies.
000 capability is in development, and we’ll let you know once available.
Does the phone comply with Australian safety standards?
Yes. All components are certified under Australian electrical and telecom safety standards and carry the RCM mark.
Setup & Use
How do I set it up?
Plug in the phone, connect it to Wi-Fi, and follow the quick-start guide.
Setup takes about five minutes.
Do we get our own phone number?
Yes. Each phone receives its own unique Australian local phone number that friends and family can use to call your child.
Where should I place the phone?
We recommend a shared family space — like the kitchen or living room — so conversations stay open and social.
Does it need Wi-Fi all the time?
Yes. It uses Wi-Fi to make and receive calls and needs to stay plugged into the power and the phones “heart”.
Does the phone need to stay plugged into power?
Yes. It needs to be plugged in and, for reliable calling, we suggest not unplugging it too often. We love that it plugs in — conversations are better when you’re not moving around.
Can I control who my child calls?
Not yet. There are no parental controls in this pilot version, but features like approved contacts and speed dial are coming soon.
Who can call in or out?
Kids can call any Australian number.
Friends and family overseas can call in to your child’s number, but international calling out isn’t available yet.
Will it get new features automatically?
Yes. The phone updates itself over Wi-Fi whenever we release new features or improvements.
What features are coming next?
000 emergency calling
Parental controls and approved contacts
Speed dial and voicemail
Companion mobile app for parents
Cost & Pilot Details
How much does it cost?
The phone itself is free for our First Families (normally $149).
Your phone comes with 3 months of unlimited calls to and from all Australian mobiles and landlines — no fees, no catches.
After that, the calling plan is $5 a week, billed weekly or monthly.What happens after the first 3 months?
In early 2026, we’ll reach out to you to confirm whether you’d like to continue your subscription or cancel your phone.
You’ll have plenty of notice and can make the choice that’s right for your family — no lock-ins or hidden fees.What’s included in the free period?
Unlimited calls to and from Australian mobiles and landlines, plus a dedicated local number for your Home phone.
Everything works right out of the box — just plug in and start calling.How do I start the paid plan?
We’ll send you an email in early 2026 with a secure link to confirm your payment details and start your $5-per-week subscription.
You won’t be charged automatically — you’ll have to opt in.Can we cancel anytime?
Yes. There are no contracts. You can cancel before the paid plan begins or anytime after, and your service will simply stop at the end of your current billing cycle.
What if I don’t want to keep the phone after the trial?
No problem! You can either return the phone or keep it as a keepsake — it just won’t make or receive calls once your trial ends.
What’s the difference between the First Families phone and the regular one?
Our First Families are part of our pilot program — they’re helping us test, learn, and improve.
Future customers will purchase the phone for $149 with the same $5-per-week calling plan (also free for the first 3 months).
Are there hidden fees?
None. The only additional cost is your normal home Wi-Fi data usage.
Can I keep the phone after the pilot?
Absolutely. It’s yours to keep, and we’ll continue supporting and updating it.
How long does the pilot run?
Several months. We’ll send occasional updates and feedback surveys as new features roll out.
What happens after the pilot?
You’ll keep your phone, and your feedback will directly shape the next version.
First Families will get early access and special offers on future products.
Technical & Support
Does it work with any router?
Yes, as long as your Wi-Fi has internet access.
What if our Wi-Fi drops out?
Calls will end if the connection is lost, but the phone automatically reconnects once Wi-Fi returns.
What if the phone breaks?
Contact homephoneforkidspilot@gmail.com. and we’ll replace or repair it free during the pilot.
Can I choose the phone number?
Not during the pilot. Numbers are automatically assigned.
How much Wi‑Fi will the phone use?
Very little. Typical voice calls use about 0.5–1 MB of data per minute.
If your child talks for an hour a day it would be less data than streaming one episode of Bluey on Disney+.
Idle or standby uses almost no data, and occasional software updates are small.
Inviting Other Families
How can other families get a phone?
If your child’s friends or cousins want to join the fun, they can!
To buy a phone just send an email to homephoneforkidspilot@gmail.com.
Can my child’s friends join even if they weren’t invited directly?
Yes! Anyone can email homephoneforkidspilot@gmail.com to register their interest or purchase a phone.
The goal is to help more kids call their friends safely — so the more connected homes, the better!
The Bigger Picture
Why not just give kids a mobile phone?
Because mobile phones open the door to the entire internet before most kids are ready.
This phone gives them connection without distraction — no screens, no feeds, just voices.
What makes this phone different from other “kid phones”?
The new home phone isn’t another smart device with apps or feeds or a “dumb phone” with texting.
It’s simple, screen-free, and built purely for voice and connection.
What’s next for this phone?
After the pilot, we’ll add features like 000 calling, parental controls, and a parent app — then roll out a full launch.
Our mission is to help families raise confident, connected kids in a digital world.
Still have questions?
Reach us anytime at homephoneforkidspilot@gmail.com — we love hearing from our First Families.