The Video Assisted STS service will enable speech-impaired telecommunications users who use STS currently or are unable to use STS currently to make relay calls to hearing persons via a STS RA using both a telephone line and video communication equipment (using a web camera and skype software).

• A speech-impaired user will connect to a STS RA via the NZ TRS speech-to-speech toll free number (0800 8 715 715)
• Once the telephone connection with the STS RA has been established, the speech-impaired user may choose to communicate the request for Video Assisted STS and give their Skype screen name to the STS RA.
• The Video Assisted STS RA will initiate a one-way video connection with the STS user via Skype.
• The STS user will provide the phone number of a hearing person to the Video Assisted STS RA
• The Video Assisted STS RA will then place a telephone call to the hearing person using standard STS RA procedures. The Video Assisted STS RA will be able to see the STS customer via video to use visual cues during the conversation to improve the quality of the call over the standard speech to speech call. 
• The STS user will then talk to the hearing person on the telephone with the Visual Assisted STS RA providing support as requested.