By Sarah-Claire Jordan
Telephone interpreting is simpler than regular interpreting in some ways, like the fact that you can just call up a service and get an expert on the line. It costs a lot less than working face-to-face with an interpreter also. A huge difference between the two kinds of interpreting is the equipment used. Regular interpreting requires basically no special equipment, but to be a telephone interpreter, you need certain pieces of equipment and to know how to use them effectively. 
The most basic equipment telephone interpreters need is something with a VoIP (Voice over IP, which lets you use the Internet as a kind of telephone network), be it a computer or a telephone. For those needing the interpretation service, they can use a dual handset phone, which has two receivers, if they are in the same place, like a doctor and patient. Otherwise, sometimes the speakerphone setting is used, though this is not usually ideal thanks to noise in the background and confidentiality issues.
In some cases, a video connection is necessary or at least helpful, for those who are deaf or would just prefer to see the interpreter. In that case, the client must have some sort of video communication system installed and can access the interpreter through that. This is becoming more and more common in places like hospitals, as they make it much easier to deal with language barriers, especially with deaf clients.
To get started, the client must call up a service that either uses an Interactive Voice Response or an operator to help them get connected with the right interpreter. The Interactive Voice Response method uses language codes (either spoken or spelled out with keys) to connect the client with the proper interpreter. Now, however, there are some companies that use voice recognition technology to automatically connect the client and interpreter. The operator method is straightforward, where the client tells the operator what language they need and the operator connects them.
As for the actual telephone interpreters, since they are working remotely they only need to use a headset maybe and be working with a company that can establish the three-way connection for them. Then they just wait to start interpreting and complete their task. They probably work from a computer, and so can access resources quickly in case they need to check on something. Connection problems can be a big issue if they occur, but generally they are resolved as quickly as possible since the whole operation is dependent on the connection working.
The process of telephone interpretation isn’t as complicated as it seems, but there are still some things that both the client and interpreter need to have. The most important thing is a stable phone or Internet connection, though that can’t always be guaranteed. The interpreter usually doesn’t need much more than a headset and access to the connection, while the client only needs either a dual handset phone or video communication system, if necessary. With just a few pieces of equipment, clients can get the service they need at a fraction of the price that face-to-face interpretation could cost.
For an overview of our translation expertise, visit our telephone interpreting service page