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Virgin Media Text

Want to use your phone like a mobile? Virgin Media Text is an exciting service that lets you send text message from your home phone.

 

How does it work?

It’s simple to send and receive texts to most landline or mobile numbers in the UK*.

If you already have the correct equipment you can start texting right away. All you need is an active Virgin Media phone line, a text compatible phone and subscribe to the Virgin Media Caller Display service.

* Messages can be sent to any UK mobile number or UK landline number excluding Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Business customers that have an ISDN service or are behind a PABX will not be able to receive text messages as text messages. Some calling features affect use of SMS service.

Note: This service is provided and operated by third parties and as such, Virgin Media shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this service nor for any failures in performance or availability.

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Setting up Virgin Media Text

Registering

As soon as you send your first text message you’ll be automatically registered for the service. Alternatively you can type ‘register’ into your text message and send to 00000.

How do I update my service centre numbers?

These numbers enable you to send and receive text messages with Virgin Media Text and vary for different models of phone. Service Centre numbers vary for different models of phones. Please refer to the manual your phone came with to find the numbers you need.

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Using Virgin Media Text

Sending a text message

Sending a text message is as simple as sending one from your mobile phone, just check the user guide that came with your phone if you’re unsure.

  • You have a maximum of 160 characters per text, if you use more characters, then more than one message will be sent and you will be charged separately for each message sent. You can send up to four text messages at one time using up to 640 characters.
  • Remember to enter the full phone number, including the area code, then just press the ‘send’ button.
  • To receive a delivery status report place *0# at the start of your message.
  • If you text a friend who doesn’t have the service they will receive the text as a Voice message.

Receiving a text message

  • If you’ve subscribed to the Virgin Media Caller Display service your phone will alert you that a text message has arrived, usually with a beep, and you’ll be able to read the text message on your phone’s screen.
  • You can subscribe by dialling 150 for free from a Virgin Media phone and speaking to a Customer Care Representative or dialling 0845 454 1111.
  • If you haven’t subscribed to the service or registered with Virgin Media Text then you’ll receive your text message as a normal phone call and the message will be converted into Voice Text*
* Messages can be sent to any UK mobile number or UK landline number excluding Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Business customers that have an ISDN service or are behind a PABX will not be able to receive text messages as text messages. Some calling features affect use of SMS service.

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How do I pick up messages?

It depends on whether you receive text or voice messages and if you have an answering machine or voicemail.

  • If you receive text messages they will be sent to your text compatible phone for you to pick up and save if required.
  • If you receive spoken text messages and have an answering machine or voicemail service, then the Voice Text will be recorded as a normal message.
  • Alternatively, just dial the Text Store on 0845 602 1111 or 07953 966 066 from the phone that received the message and follow the instructions. Please remember that text messages are only saved for 24 hours from the time the message was sent.

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Voice Text

Want the convenience of sending a text message to another landline number?

How does Voice Text work?

Voice Text automatically converts your text message to a synthesised voice before calling the number and reading the message to whoever answers. If the call isn’t answered then the message will go to voicemail or an answering machine, or get delivered at a later time.

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Using Voice Text

The Voice Text service will automatically convert your text message if:

  • The destination number doesn’t have a compatible texting phone
  • The destination number hasn’t registered for the service
  • The destination number hasn’t activated the Number Display feature

If the system cannot deliver your message then your message will be left at the Text Store for 24 hours.

Opting out of receiving texts
Dial 0800 587 5252 from the phone you wish to ‘opt’ out and choose option 1

Opting back in to receiving voice texts
Dial 0800 587 5252 from the phone you wish to ‘opt’ in and choose option 2

Receiving all your messages as voice texts
To receive all your messages as Voice Texts, type *2# and send to 00000
To undo this, type #2# and send to 00000

Enabling or disabling the Voice Text feature
To disable Voice Texts, type *1# and send to 00000
To enable Voice Texts, type #1# and send to 00000

How can I make sure my message is received as a voice text?

To ensure that someone receives a spoken message rather than a text message, place *3# at the start of the message. Remember, the person you’d like to receive the message may not be the person to answer the phone.

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Text Store

Don’t worry if you miss a text message that was sent as a Voice Text, your message will be saved at the Text Store for 24 hours from the time the message was sent.

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Using Text Store

You can only access the Text Store from the phone that the message was sent to. There are two numbers that you could have to call, depending on the network your text message originates from:

  • For BT, Kingston Communications, Vodafone, 02, Orange and 3: Call 0845 602 1111 – charged at local rate
  • For T-Mobile and Virgin: Call 07953 966 066 – charged at mobile rate

Alternatively you can dial 1471 and press 3 if the Text Store is the last number to call you.

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Fault Finding

I can’t send or receive messages with Virgin Media Text?

Possible reason:

  • Your Service Centre numbers are incorrect

Solution:

  • These numbers enable you to send and receive text messages and vary for different models of phones
  • Secondly, check that your Service Centre settings are correct. Service Centre numbers vary for different models of phones. Please refer to the manual your phone came with to find the numbers you need.

I’ve got a text compatible phone but I’m receiving spoken text messages?

Possible Reason:

  • You haven’t registered for Virgin Media Text
  • You don’t have the Virgin Media Number Display service

Solution:

  • To register, text a friend and you’ll be registered automatically, or text ‘register’ to 00000
  • If you receive your confirmation as a Voice Text then check you have the Virgin Media Number Display service
  • Secondly, check that your Service Centre settings are correct. Service Centre numbers vary for different models of phones. Please refer to the manual your phone came with to find the numbers you need.

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How much does it cost?

It is absolutely free to receive text messages on your home phone but you will be charged for each text message that you send and flat rate fees mean that it will cost you the same whatever time of day or night you decide to text.

Charges for sending texts are available in our price guide: http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/phone/callingcosts.html

How will I be billed for text messages?

You will be billed for the text messages you send on your monthly Virgin Media phone bill. This will be clearly shown as ‘Text Sent’ along with the applicable charge next to the item.