Making a call from a textphone
Starting a call
To start a call, dial 18001 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).
18001
01234
xxx xxx
There's no need to pause between numbers. In the above example, you would simply dial:
When the person you're calling answers, if they are on a;
Telephone, they will receive an automated message informing them this is a Text Relay call and there will be a short delay while a relay assistant joins the call.
Textphone users receive call progress information whilst the call is being established.
Turn your PC into a textphone and use your home
computer to call other textphones and telephones.
During a call
Each person takes their turn to type or speak. When you've finished typing your message, type GA, which stands for 'go ahead'. Lowercase ga is also suitable.
Remember to allow enough time for the relay assistant to read your message to the person you're calling and type their response back to you.
Ending a call
When you want to end your call, type BIBI SKSK, which means 'bye bye' and 'stop keying'. Alternatively, type 'bye' or 'goodbye' and wait for their reply – this gives them the chance to say something else, in case they don't want to end the call.
Receiveng a call
When your textphone flashes or rings, answer the call in the way described by your textphone manual. You will then see the following message on your display:
if the caller is using a telephone, or:
if the caller is using a textphone.
Using your textphone
Most textphones (sometimes called a Minicom) plug directly into your phone line and allow you to make and receive calls by typing and reading the conversation on a display.
Textphone display messages
As well as displaying the typed conversation, the screen on a textphone will display information about the call:
Each person takes their turn to type their side of the conversation. When you’ve finished, type GA.
Alternatively, type 'bye' or 'goodbye' and wait for their reply – this gives them the chance to say something else, in case they don't want to end the call.
The relay assistant may also describe more information about the call, such as background noises, e.g.: (NOTE FROM OPERATOR) A baby is crying (END).
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 – Making a call from a textphone (3.00)
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
Support & advice
Other calling services
Get help with Text Relay Assist
If you're struggling to connect a call or it's your first time using the service, Text Relay Assist can set up the call for you.
Dial 0870 240 95 98 from a textphone
Making a Text Relay Direct call
If you don't need or want a relay assistant to join the call, but would still like to use Voice Carry Over (VCO) or Hearing Carry Over (HCO) between two textphones, you can with Text Relay Direct.
Dial 180015 from a textphone
Other calling features
Voice Carry Over
If you use your voice but you're deaf or hard of hearing, you can speak your part of the conversation and read their reply.
Hearing Carry Over
If you use your hearing but you can't use your voice, you can listen to their part of the conversation and type your reply.
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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