Ofcom proposes new telecoms rules for hearing impaired

Date: 29/07/2011

People with speech or hearing impairments who are calling 0800 numbers could benefit from new proposals outlined by Ofcom.

The regulatory body wishes to improve the text relay system currently in place that disabled consumers can use to convert conversations into written messages.

According to the organisation, this option is often slow and does not provide a naturally-flowing dialogue.

As a solution, Ofcom hopes to introduce a new video system for those who use British Sign Language.

Furthermore, it wants to bring in a feature that means individuals do not have to wait until the end of a message if they wish to step in.

Consumer group director at the body Claudio Pollack said there are a number of problems facing people with disabilities when they use the phone.

"The proposed measures outlined today aim to reduce these barriers by allowing conversations to flow naturally in real time," he stated.

Earlier this month, Ofcom released the results of its customer satisfaction survey and found telecoms provider TalkTalk received a below average rating.