British Sign Language video relay
Contacting EE
British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us using a sign language interpreter through the InterpretersLive! Service, provided by Sign Solutions.
This service is available during our regular opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 8am to 9pm
Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 8pm
If an interpreter isn’t available right away, you can hold or retry later.
Using InterpretersLive! on a mobile device
To access the InterpretersLive! service on an iOS or Android mobile device, download the InterpretersLive! app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and follow the instructions in this set-up guide (PDF link).
Using InterpretersLive! on a laptop or PC
No set-up is required - you’re ready to start a call.
Contacting the emergency services
Deaf BSL users in the UK can contact the emergency authorities via 999 BSL, a free third-party video relay service.
Relay UK (Text relay)
Relay UK (previously Next Generation Text) helps deaf, speech-impaired, and hearing people talk to each other over the phone using the relay service.
To use it you’ll need the free Relay UK app, a compatible smartphone or tablet, and an internet connection.
Learn more about the Relay UK app
How it works
If you’re deaf or hard-of-hearing, an assistant types what the other person is saying so you can read their words in real time.
If speaking on the phone is difficult, you type the words and an assistant speaks them, so the other person can hear your words in real time.
Using a textphone
You can also still use a traditional textphone for Relay UK. How-to videos and guides are available on the Relay UK website.
Find out how to use Relay UK with a textphone
Contacting EE
To get in touch with us directly using the Relay UK service, dial 18001 in front of the following long-dial number:
Costs and pricing
With an EE pay monthly or pay as you go plan, most Relay UK calls are either free or charged at your standard rate. Check the full price list for details.
Emergency SMS
Using the emergencySMS service, deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech-impaired customers can send a text message, free of charge, to the UK 999 or 112 service, where it will be passed to the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard.
To register your phone for emergencySMS:
- Send the word 'register' in a text to 999.
- You'll receive texts about the service.
- When you've read these, reply by sending 'yes' in a text to 999.
- You'll then receive a text telling you your mobile phone is registered, or if there's a problem with your registration.
Free directory enquiries (195)
A free directory enquiries service (195) is available to blind and other disabled customers who find it difficult to use a phone book. To register, just call 195 from your EE phone.