These calls are carried over the public Internet and are free of charge.
RNID provides a "break-out" service for these calls to connect with the traditional landline and mobile telephone networks. BT TextDirect provides compatibility with a wide range of textphones. Also an RNID Typetalk operator will automatically relay between text and voice if the other party is a hearing person. These calls are chargeable to your TalkByText account. See our list of call charges.
You need a TalkByText account to use the service. If you don't already have one, the program's start-up wizard will offer to create one for you. But you don't need to have credit in your account if you only wish to call other TalkByText users or receive calls. However we will give you some free credit to get you started. You can view your balance from the program and you can top-up your account at any time with any major credit or debit card.
After each call, you can decide whether or not to save the text of your conversation. Initially, saved conversations are filed by date and time in your "Stored Conversations" folder, If you wish, you can also create other folders to help you keep conversations organised as you want them.
If your PC is connected to a printer, you can print a copy of the typed conversation when the call ends (or later for saved conversations).
Set up a personal address book to keep track of your contacts. Then making calls is as simple as double-clicking an entry in your address book.
Just like a voice answering-machine, you can set your own custom text message (for instance to ask callers to leave you a message).
By default, when you return to your computer, you will see the number of calls you missed, even if you have minimised the TalkByText window. Missed calls and auto-answered messages are saved in their own TalkByText folders with their dates and times.
(Available soon) TalkByText Home Edition also lets you send SMS text messages using your PC's keyboard and screen.
(Available soon) You can add a visual alerter that plugs into your PC's USB port and flashes brightly when you receive an incoming call.