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11/05/2004
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is introducing 'Web-over-Phone' technology to make its websites accessible from any phone - individuals can now dial a special local-rate number and hear the DCMS's websites played back to them.
 Welcoming the launch, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said today: "We have always seen it as a priority to make the best of the nation's culture and sport available to the greatest possible number. This principle must apply to everything we do in the DCMS too. That's why I am delighted that we are pioneering this innovative way of getting up-to-date information on what we are doing to those who want it, whether they have a computer or not.
"The blind and partially-sighted will benefit too. Only one in ten of this group are computer users so a huge number will now be able to access information about what we are up to, and how we spend the public funding we receive. I hope this trial is a success and that, if so, it paves the way for other Government departments and agencies to follow our example."
Amanda Millhouse, IT Services Manager for DCMS said: "We are delighted to be the first central Government department to adopt Web-over-Phone technology. The technology expands the range of channels we offer to ensure the maximum number of people can access our information, helping bridge the digital divide. We believe that visually impaired web surfers with an interest in our wide range of activities could benefit greatly."
Developed with the support of the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB), the Web-over-Phone technology is ideally suited to delivering accessible websites by phone. It has been tested with visually impaired users and is currently being trialled with a wide range of organisations and companies across the UK.
Stefan Haselwimmer, Managing Director of PhoneAnything, said: "We were able to set up the web-over-phone service for the DCMS in a matter of minutes. The technology provides a quick and easy way for organisations to make their information available to anyone in the UK who has a phone."
To try the DCMS Web-over-Phone service call:
0845 333 0850
About PhoneAnything
PhoneAnything delivers voice access to internet content through any telephone. It was the first company in the UK to launch a comprehensive phone information service (July 2001). PhoneAnything main phone service provides phone access to web pages, WAP pages, streaming audio and e-mail and offers truly mobile access to the internet from any phone.
About the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is responsible for Government policy on the arts, sport, the National Lottery, tourism, libraries, museums and galleries, broadcasting, film, the music industry, press freedom and regulation, licensing, gambling and the historic environment.
 Department for Culture, Media and Sport
How to access web pages using the phone
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