Cingular Wireless and Firefly Mobile announced the availability of the Firefly phone, a mobile phone specifically designed for kids with ages under 12.

The Firefly phone was designed with just five keys instead of a regular keypad. Parents use a private PIN to program up to 22 outgoing numbers into the phone, including speed-dial keys for Mom and Dad. Kids can place calls by pressing the Mom or Dad key, or selecting a name in the Phone Book and pressing "send." An optional call screening feature can be activated, allowing the phone to accept incoming calls from only those numbers programmed into the phone.

Weighing about 57 grams, the Firefly phone is designed to fit comfortably a child's hand. It lights up like a firefly when the phone rings, and intermittently when it is in use, charging or in standby mode. The handset can be personalized with ringtones, animations, and backlight colors that are preloaded on the phone. Further personalization of the phone is offered by Cingular and Firefly Mobile through a range of accessories, including a "fashion kit" with a "bubblegum" colored collectible shell and wristlet purse, and an "action kit" with a "slime" colored collectible shell and pouch.

The Firefly phone is available from Cingular for $49.99, after a $25 mail-in rebate and with a two-year contract. The Firefly phone is available on Cingular's $9.99 FamilyTalk plan.