Once you have worked out which call option is most appropriate for your circumstances, you will probably need some equipment to make a relay call. If you cannot hear or speak clearly over the phone, then you will need to have:

• a TTY (also known as a teletypewriter or a textphone) to make a TTY call,    or
• internet access through a computer or mobile phone to make an internet relay call,   or 
• a computer with TTY imitation software to make a TTY imitation call.

TTYs

A TTY is a telephone with a keyboard and a small display screen for text that allows you to type a message and read what is being said in reply. A TTY converts keystrokes into signals that can be transmitted along a phone line.

TTYs can communicate with other TTYs directly through the phone system or can communicate with voice users via the National Relay Service. They vary greatly in model, size and the range of features. No special adaptation is needed to make a call through the NRS.

The two main models are Superprint which provides a printout of the conversation, or Uniphone, a combined TTY and telephone.

For eligible people with hearing or speech difficulties, a TTY costs about the same to rent as an ordinary handset through the subsidised disability equipment schemes offered by phone companies. For information on these schemes, and where to obtain TTYs and other specialised equipment that you might need, contact our Helpdesk.

With a TTY you can make Speak and Read, Type and Read and Type and Listen calls.

Adding a speakerphone to your TTY

If you are a Type and Listen user, you may find it more convenient to have a speakerphone connected to your TTY so you don't have to hang up the receiver each time you type. (Note that you will have to turn off the speaker button each time to prevent "jumbling" of your messages.)

It is possible to use a Superprint TTY and speakerphone together on some phone lines only. However it does not work in all situations and we recommend that you trial it first.

You may be able to rent a speakerphone from your telephone company for the same cost as a standard phone. Please contact the NRS Helpdesk or get in touch with your telephone company directly for further information.

Internet relay

To make an internet relay call all you need is access to the internet through a computer or mobile phone. You can even make a call now. It's a form of Type and Read call where you use text to converse, via a relay officer, with any voice or TTY user.

As well as this website, you can also make internet relay calls through MSN and AOL messaging. And you can make internet relay calls from an internet-enabled (3G) mobile phone. With internet relay you have more mobility and are not restricted to using a TTY. Find out more about internet relay.

TTY imitation

Another option if you don't want to use a TTY, is to use your computer with TTY imitation software and a modem.

This type of call imitates a TTY and connects your computer to the NRS via your phone line. Like a TTY it is a point-to-point phone call - it's just that you make the call on your computer. See more

Which is best for me?

Most NRS users who are deaf or who have hearing and speech impairments use a TTY, but increasing numbers are using internet relay. Many use both.

Have a look at the benefits of the different equipment options and see which would work best for you. You can also discuss the options with our Helpdesk staff.

Benefits of a TTY

• it's most like using an ordinary phone
• you don't need to own a computer or learn how to use one
• you can make Speak and Read, and Type and Listen calls as well as Type and Read calls (you are restricted to Type and Read calls with internet relay and TTY imitation)
• you can receive calls with a TTY (you can't with internet relay)
• you will not have problems accessing 1300 or 1800 numbers or services that use centralised call routing (fast food outlets, taxi services etc) - this can sometimes be a problem with internet relay
• you can make 106 text emergency calls.

Benefits of internet relay

• you don't need a TTY
• you can make calls via instant messaging (MSN and AOL) or the NRS website
• you can make calls via an internet-connected mobile phone
• you have greater mobility and can make calls from laptops and internet cafes - away from a phone line (although you can't receive calls)
• you can use a computer screen (bigger than on a TTY) and keyboard (bigger and faster than on a TTY)
• if you have a broadband connection, calls will be faster than with a TTY or with TTY imitation
• standard calls are free apart from your normal internet connection costs.

Benefits of calls via computer with TTY imitation

• you can receive calls via TTY imitation (you can't with internet relay)
• you don't need an account with an internet service provider (ISP) (you do need an ISP account for internet relay)
• you can use a computer screen (bigger than on a TTY) and keyboard (bigger and faster than on a TTY)
• you will not have problems accessing 1300 or 1800 numbers or services that use centralised call routing (fast food outlets, taxi services etc) - this can sometimes be a problem with internet relay
• you can make 106 text emergency calls.