Introduction
The MED and Sprint launched the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS), including New Zealand Internet Relay (NZIR), in November 2004. These services were launched with the goal of providing telephony access for people in New Zealand who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hearing-Impaired and Speech-Impaired. According to the 2001 New Zealand Disability Survey, there are an estimated 223,500 adults who are Deaf or have a hearing limitation that can not be eliminated by a hearing aid. In addition, an estimated 18,300 children are Deaf or have a hearing limitation that is currently not corrected.
The TRS is available on a national basis, twenty four/seven and is marketed under the name New Zealand Relay. Sprint International New Zealand (Sprint) is the TRS provider. Sprint has had 15 years international experience providing relay services. The TRS is operated under the TSO regulatory framework. Sprint has a TSO Deed agreement with the Government to operate the service and this is administered by the Ministry of Economic Development (MED).
The TRS works by a Relay Assistant relaying a telephone call between a Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hearing-Impaired or Speech-Impaired Person and a hearing person or another person with a communication disability. The Relay Assistant acts as a bridge relaying the entire conversation between the relay users. All Relay Assistants sign a strict confidentiality agreement to ensure the privacy of information received in the course of their interactions with relay users. Relay Assistants are trained to help Speech Impaired people be understood by anybody receiving calls from them.
To make relay calls the relay system can be accessed by dial up using a telephone or textphone and can also be accessed through the Internet Relay website. There are currently three basic types of relay calling:
- Text (TTY or NZIR) to voice and vice-versa
- Hearing Carry Over (HCO)
- Voice Carry Over (VCO)
A trial of a Speech to Speech (STS) relay commenced in August 2005 and is scheduled to continue until May 2006.
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