Using Text Relay
If you're using a textphone (sometimes called a Minicom) or you're calling someone from a standard telephone and think the person at the other end may have a textphone, Text Relay will connect you. It's a fully automated service so, when required, relay assistants provide a text-to-voice and voice-to-text translation service.
Making a call from a textphone
If you're making a call from a textphone, Text Relay will take care of your call, so you can communicate with the person you're calling.
Dial 18001 + number
Dial 18000 for EMERGENCY calls
Making a call from a telephone
If you're making a call from a telephone and you think the person you're calling may answer the call using a textphone, Text Relay will allow you to communicate.
Dial 18002 + number
What it costs
Calls are charged at your telecommunications provider's standard rates. You may also be able to get a refund from your provider for the text part of your call.
What you need
You can use Text Relay with a textphone, telephone, mobile, or use your PC as a textphone.
Related services
In addition to Text Relay, there are lots of other ways to stay in touch. Find out more about text messaging, email, instant messaging and more.
Good for business
An estimated half a million people in the UK are unable to use a standard telephone so widening your customer base to include them makes excellent business sense.
Support and advice
FAQs
Still got questions? We're sure you'll find the answers in our FAQs section.
Downloads
Download user guides and find out how to turn your PC into a textphone.
Useful links
Industry related links.
British Sign Language videos
All of our BSL video guides, in one place.
BSL Video – Text Relay summary (3.30)
This video contains British Sign Language content, there is no audio content available. Skip VideoLatest news
April 2012 QoS report | 16 Apr 2012
January 2012 Quality of Service Report | 13 Jan 2012
October 2011 Quality of Service Report | 11 Oct 2011
July 2011 Quality of Service Report | 12 Jul 2011
New research project about text relay services | 17 Aug 2010
Ofcom are asking people to have their say by taking part in their new research project about the future of text relay and other services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or with speech difficulties.
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