What is BT Text?
BT Text allows you to send and receive text (SMS) messages to and from other landlines, and mobile phones.
- It means if you don't have a mobile phone you can join in sending and receiving texts
- If you're on pay-as-you-go mobile and you run out of credit you can still stay in touch
- It can be especially useful if you've got a visual or hearing impairment. Staying in touch by text message can be convenient if you're hard of hearing, and spoken text messages can help if you're visually impaired
What equipment do I need to use BT Text?
To send text messages from your home phone, you will need a text-enabled phone and an enabled telephone line. To view text messages on your text-enabled phone, you'll need Caller Display. If you don't have Caller Display you'll receive text messages as voice messages. If you haven't registered for the service, you will also receive text messages as voice messages.
If you use a BT phone, you can check whether it's text enabled by checking the user guide:
How much does the BT text service cost?
The BT Text service is free when you receive text messages on your home phone, but you'll be charged for each message you send. Flat rate fees mean that you can text at any time of the day or night for the same cost.
You can text UK landlines and mobiles from your home phone for only 10.5p per text. You need a text-enabled phone and to subscribe to BT's Caller Display service >
You'll be billed for the text messages you send on your BT phone bill.
How do I start using BT Text
It's easy. Just send a text message from your home line and this automatically registers you for the service. You can register just by sending a text to a friend or by typing register and sending it to 00000. You can also text this number to test the line at any time.
Some small print
Sorry, but the service excludes BT Pay & Call customers, In-Contact Plus customers and BT Public Payphone lines. Also it's not available between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Mobile to landline texts require no special equipment. Mobile operator text charges apply. Landline to landline texts require a text compatible phone, BT Caller Display and compatible line. Some calling features affect the use of the text service. Exclusions apply. Maximum 5000 texts in any 60 minute period or BT Text will be deactivated.
For terms and conditions, visit www.bt.com/legalstuff >
Texts sent from any UK landline starting 01, 02 and 03 are capable of receiving voice messages, except those sent from a mobile using the T-Mobile network.