View this content in Auslan video

Using the internet, mobile phone or tablet:

NRS Chat Calls without speech or hearing
NRS Captions   Calls with or without hearing, using your voice
Video Relay     Calls using Auslan

Using only a mobile phone without a data plan or the internet:

SMS Relay Calls using mobile phones without the internet on the mobile phone

Using only a landline (home) phone line:

Type & Read  Calls (using a TTY) without speech or hearing
Speak & Read Calls (using a TTY) with or without hearing, using your voice
 

For people with difficulties speaking only:

Type & Listen Calls without the internet (using a TTY) without speech. Using your hearing
Speak & Listen  Calls using your voice, with an operator to re-speak when needed
Text & Listen Calls using mobile phones without internet on the mobile phone

Important Information

Making Emergency Calls using the NRS

If you are NRS user and find yourself in an emergency, you can contact emergency services, including the fire, police, or ambulance service through the NRS.

A call to an emergency service will automatically be prioritised over all other calls in the NRS system. However, as there is no queue priority for Video Relay calls, NRS Video Relay users should contact an emergency service through a different NRS call option.

How it works

You will connect to emergency services using your choice of NRS call channel. Below are the instructions for each channel:

  • Internet Relay – ask for Triple Zero (000)
  • Captioned Relay – ask for Triple Zero (000)
  • SMS Relay – text 0423 677 767 and include 000 in your first message
  • Ordinary phone – dial 1800 555 727 and ask for Triple Zero (000)
  • TTY – dial 106
  • Video Relay – use a different NRS call option

The officer will relay the call between you and the emergency operator. You will need to ask for the specific service you need, confirm your location, and explain the emergency.

Equipment

You need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone that allows you to connect to the internet - either through the NRS app or NRS website.

For instructions on using the NRS app, please see the Making a Call and Answering a Call Fact Sheets.

What does it cost?

Relay calls within Australia are free. However, you will be connecting to the internet and charges for your data use will depend on your internet or mobile data plan.

If you want to make calls to an overseas or premium-rate (1900) number you will need a prepaid phone card. Cards can be purchased at multiple values at convenience stores, petrol stations, supermarkets and on the internet.

Further information and useful links:

Registering to use the NRS

The National Relay Service (NRS) helps those who are deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired to make and receive phone calls. To use the NRS users must register.

How it works

You can register for the NRS online.

Alternatively, you can download the registration form, which can be completed online and then printed or printed and completed by hand. Once complete the form with support documentation must be sent to the NRS Helpdesk via the following options:

Please print and send the completed form with a copy of your support document to the NRS Helpdesk:

Equipment

You will need a computer, laptop or tablet that allows you to connect to the internet. You will also need access to a printer if you choose to download the registration.

What does it cost?

Registering for the NRS is free.

Further information and useful links:

FAQs about NRS User Registration

An introduction to relay calls

NRS Helpdesk

More information:

Available at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website for people with who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or have a speech impairment. Access Hub 

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