Ofcom approves Sign Language Interactions as 999 BSL service provider

Sign Language Interactions, who own the SignVideo service which helped set up BSL Health Access, has been approved as a provider of a new 999 video relay service (VRS).

The sign-off from the communications regulator Ofcom, announced on Thursday, comes after the watchdog consulted on plans to approve the company in November.

“Taking into account Sign Language Interactions’ formal application (including further submissions) and all the responses received to the consultation, we have decided to approve Sign Language Interactions’ proposed service for the purposes of General Condition C5.

“The approval will take effect on 27 January 2022 and will remain in place unless we withdraw it. While we consider that Sign Language Interactions’ proposed service meets the approval criteria, we will monitor the performance of the service once it is in operation.

“We may, at any time, by notification in writing to the service provider, withdraw our approval where we consider that the service provider no longer meets the approval criteria,” Ofcom said.

From 17 June, telephone and broadband companies must provide a free, 24/7 VRS for BSL users to call 999 or its pan-European equivalent, 112.

They can either carry out this themselves, or pay another company to do so, but the service must be approved by Ofcom.

Photo: Ofcom.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.

---

Update – 17:45: Commenting on Ofcom’s decision, Sign Language Interactions said they were “delighted” to be approved by the regulator.

CEO Andrew Dewey said: “This is the very first VRS accessible emergency service in the UK. We are very pleased to continue with the work in bridging gaps and strengthening BSL access for the Deaf community.”