​UK: Mobile Network EE Creates Phone Package for Persons with Hearing Impairment

August 21, 2018

The mobile network EE has produced a series of plans specifically for people who are deaf or experience hearing loss. Over 11 million people in the UK – one in six individuals – live with some form of hearing loss, with many relying on visual forms of communication such as SMS and video calls rather than traditional voice services. More data, fewer minutes EE, the UK’s largest mobile operator, has partnered with the charity Action on Hearing Loss (AoHL) and is offering packages featuring increased data allowances and fewer minutes to better reflect the preferences of people who are hard of hearing. Customers who purchase the £10 data pack, available via AoHL, will receive 2GB data and unlimited texts every 30 days. Devices with a range of accessibility features, such as Doro sets, which are hearing-aid compatible and have extra loud settings, are available too. Improved call centres EE has also made improvements to its call centres, introducing a Next Generation Text relay service, whereby callers can communicate by text via an assistant, who speaks their words to a phone user, and a sign language interpreting service for British Sign Language users. James Rowe, technology and enterprise executive director at AoHL, said: “It is very encouraging to see a company like EE proactively taking steps to make sure that their customers living with deafness and hearing loss are not being financially disadvantaged and are able to access phone packages that are better suited to their needs.”

Source: I News