Related services
Turn your PC into a textphone
You can turn your PC into a textphone by downloading a computer program that uses your broadband connection to make Text Relay calls.
Once set up it allows you to call other textphones and telephones from your home computer, with the added advantage of a full size keyboard for easier typing.
To find out more please visit the what you need page.
Mobile phone text messaging (SMS)
These days, mobile phones are relatively cheap and a great way to stay in touch when you're out and about, via text messaging, also called SMS (Short Message Service). Mobiles let you send short text messages to other mobile phones and even some landline phones with a text message function.
There are several options available from UK mobile providers, from monthly contracts that include a mobile handset and text messages, to pay-as-you-go deals with great value handsets and inclusive text messages.
Real-time text messaging
Some mobile telephones have the capacity for real-time text conversations with the addition of other applications such as RNID’s TalkbyText Mobile Edition.
You need to have internet connection on your mobile to use this service, as TalkByText Mobile Edition is software that uses your phone's internet connection to turn your mobile handset into a mobile textphone. You can find out more at www.ictrnid.org.uk/talkbytext.html.
Broadband, high-speed internet connection
The internet provides lots of great ways to stay in touch with friends and family around the world.
There are many broadband providers in the UK offering a high-speed, always on internet connection. Prices vary, so it's worth shopping around for the right kind of broadband package for you.
Please note: it's important to get online security, available separately or included in your broadband package, to protect your PC and your identity when you're on the internet.
Making a Text Relay call using VoIP
In order to make a Text Relay call over a VoIP service you must have a phone socket on your broadband modem/router that allows the textphone or PC modem to be plugged in. It must also support the ITU-T V.21 modem protocol and allow 18001 calls to be dialled. At present the only system known to provide these features is the BT Home Hub.
Email is an excellent way to stay in touch, and there are many free email services available online. Email works like sending a conventional letter, but it's done electronically over the internet. The recipient can then pick up their email the next time they go online.
You can use email to send documents and pictures – great if you've got family overseas. Whilst messages aren't exchanged in real-time, they are normally instantaneous and you can request a 'receipt' to alert you when a message has been delivered and/or read.
Instant messaging (IM) lets you send short messages to friends and family members who are online. To communicate, it is necessary that participants have their computers turned on and connected to the internet at the same time.
IM provides a quick form of communication when other people who are in your contacts list go online. Many of the free email service providers also include a free IM service.
Once you know someone's IM address, to send instant messages, you simply type a message in a dedicated window on your computer screen and hit return or send – the message instantly goes to the recipient, who can read it and reply in the same way.
Webcams (web video cameras) are small cameras that connected to your PC. They allow the person you are communicating with to see you. A webcam can be used with most IM services and need to be used in pairs for both parties to see video pictures.
Webcams are popular with British Sign Language (BSL) users as they allow you to sign over a broadband connection.
Social networks, online communities and message forums provide an environment to communicate with groups of people with similar views or hobbies as yourself. There are literally thousands of social networks available, some of which have been set up by the deaf community. These social networks act as online diaries and message boards for their members.
Mobile internet handsets, (like the iPhone or Blackberry) and Wi-Fi hotspots let you access the internet, even when you’re not at home. You can get access to these services through mobile internet providers and Wi-Fi service providers.
BSL Video – Related services (7.05)
This video contains British Sign Language content, there is no audio content available. Skip VideoImportant Numbers
To make a call: dial 18001 + number
Emergency calls: dial 18000
Latest news
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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