E-mail is just another way to send text messages and is the most common way to send text communication around the world. Texgate is a free service and allows you to communicate in a lower cost way and because e-mail is the most widely used way of communicating by text (much more common than text phones) this will enable you to communicate with a wider range of people and organisations.

To register usually takes 5 - 10 minutes. You will be prompted after every answer to confirm that the information given is correct. Type Y for correct or N for incorrect, in which case the question will be repeated.

Please follow these steps:

1. Using your textphone call the Texgate service on 0870 751 8982.

2. Select register from menu options by typing r. Then type GA.

3. Type your 'user name'; this will become the name your message will carry to identify the sender. This could be your first name, full name, or your organisation. Then type GA.

4. Type your full name. Then type GA.

5. Type your telephone number. Then type GA.

6. Type your address. You are given three lines to type this and a fourth separate line for your post code. After each line type GA.

7. You are then asked what textphone you have. Please enter the answer then type GA.

8. You are then asked whether you are male M or female F. Please answer M or F then type GA.

9. You are then asked for your year of birth. Please answer using 4 digits (e.g. 1953) then type GA.

10. You are then asked what type of hearing loss do you have. Choose between 1 - 4. 1= mild, 2= moderate, 3= severe, 4= profound. Please type either 1,2,3 or 4, then type GA.

11. You are then asked whether you accept marketing information from Sensory Communication and selected partners. Please answer, Y for Yes or N for No and then type GA.

12. You are then given a legal text to read outlining conditions of use. This is an essential legal obligation of Texgate and is usual for an e-mail service. You are then asked if you accept these terms and conditions. Please answer, then type GA. Note that you cannot use Texgate unless you accept the terms, so if you answer no then your registration will be cancelled.

13. You are then advised that your password will be received in the post in the next 3 days.

That's it! Once you have received your password, you will be able to send and receive e-mail to/from anybody, anytime, anywhere in the world - all through your textphone. We hope you enjoy this service.