FAQs about other services

How do I use Voice Carry Over (VCO)?

If you are able to use your voice, please follow the 'Voice Carry Over' or 'VCO' instructions in your textphone manual.

Please allow the other person to reply, by switching back to text.

If your textphone uses Baudot, please read the Baudot section in Textphone Troubleshooting above.

How do I use Hearing Carry Over (HCO)?

If you are able to use your hearing, please follow the 'Hearing Carry Over' or 'HCO' instructions in your textphone manual.

If your textphone uses Baudot, please read the Baudot section in Textphone Troubleshooting above.

Can I make a Text Relay call without a relay assistant?

Making a Text Relay call without a relay assistant is called Text Relay Direct. This is the ideal option if you have a textphone and want to call someone you're certain will answer using a textphone. NO relay assistant will join the call at any point.

You may want to use Text Relay Direct if:

• You're certain the number you're calling will be answered by someone using another textphone.
• You want to use Voice Carry Over and don't want to wait for a relay assistant to join the call.
• You want to use Hearing Carry Over and don't want to wait for a relay assistant to join the call.

If in doubt, dial 18001 + number and let Text Relay take care of your call:

• If the call is answered by someone using another textphone, no relay assistant will join the call.
• If the person you're calling answers using a telephone, a relay assistant will automatically join the call and relay your conversation.
• However if using VCH and HCO there be a short but consistent delay each time you select this option to allow a relay assistant to rejoin your call.

How do I make a Text Relay Direct call?

To start a Text Relay Direct call, dial 180015 then the full phone number of the person you want to call, including the area code (and international country code if you're calling outside the UK). NO relay assistant will join the call at any point.

Can I find out who the last person to call me was?

Dial 18001 1471 from your textphone. If the number of the last caller is available (they're not withholding their number), you will see a message like the one below, showing the number that last called you via Text Relay, and the time:

You can then type 3 to return the call.