"No-one can participate fully in today’s fast-moving society without easy and affordable access to the telephone," 

And that's viewed as a disadvantage?

That article was interesting!!!

Well, here in America, we deaf guys are trying to get our rights to a full 10-digit phone number that is automatically directed through a relay service to our text telephones (TTY) or computers (IP addresses). Some of us use webcams or TV-mounted videophones for video relay with sign-language interpreters. 

You see, in order for hearing people to call us, they usually have to dial in a relay number like 1-800-955-8771 and then tell the relay operator to dial in my phone number. That is 2 phone numbers for the hearing person to use, and does not work with most companies/businesses that depend on calling customers back. What we need is our own phone number that looks just like a normal person's number, that is automatically routed through a relay service as the caller is trying to reach me. It could be a translator that voices and types text back and forth, or a sign-language interpreter translating. 

Thanks, the INQ.. I love you guys!

UK Deaf people have issue and I hope it feature out to help them. The American have more opportunities choice for communicate on phone such as Videophone called "Sorenson Communication Inc" and I am sure you can check on WWW. It help a lot for Deaf people in 21st Century technology. I hope UK Deaf people have same opportunities as America Deaf people. Deaf people use smartphone such as blackberry with full data wireless plans without need use voice. I heard Deaf Japanese use cellphone like a videophone cause their speed wireless faster than America version. Wait and see.....