Telecoms operator BT has begun a trial of SignVideo technology, which makes it easier for deaf people to communicate with the ISPs customer service teams by using British Sign Language (BSL) via a video relay (BSL LIVE).

The web-based solution essentially connects deaf people with customer contact centres via an on-line video interpreter. It works in conjunction with web-cams and enables communication to flow in real-time over two links (i.e. the online video link and the phone line).


The service can be accessed via www.bt.com/bsl and customers will then be connected to the SignVideo Translation Service. After that a BSL interpreter will make the final connection to BT’s customer-services.

Customers will of course need to have a computer with video capability and broadband to use the solution. Related calls will be free of charge and the service itself will be available from Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm).