Today we’re renaming our Next Generation Text (NGT) relay service to Relay UK, as well as launching an updated and easier to use app. Find out how to download the new Relay UK app here.
We’ve renamed our service and the app as often when hearing people received relay calls that were previously introduced as “Next Generation Text” or “Text Relay”, they commonly mistook this as relating to an SMS service and didn’t want to take the call. By renaming our service and app to Relay UK, we’re reducing confusion and helping more deaf people successfully contact the businesses and services they want to reach by phone.
Only 1 in 20 of those who are deaf or have hearing loss can complete tasks over the phone, according to a new survey[1], leaving 70% of the deaf community (about 8.4 million) to ask friends or family members for help with basic calls.
Our Ofcom regulated service translates text to speech and vice versa with the help of a specially trained Relay Assistant based in one of BT’s contact centres around the country.
The new app offers an improved customer experience and new functionality. The technology, developed by BT, enables a user to easily make a call based on their own accessibility needs. The user can connect to calls by selecting one of three options: Type & Read, Speak & Read or Type & Hear.
Available for download today, the new Relay UK app remains free[2] to use and is available to UK mobile customers in the UK.
The development of Relay UK has been led by BT on behalf of stakeholders across the deaf community, such as Action on Hearing Loss, UK Council on Deafness, National Deaf Children’s Society and Hearing Link.