Your smart phone is ringing, you’ve been waiting for an important call but you can’t seem to find your handset. You start searching for it—in your handbag, around the house, did you leave it in the wardrobe?—only to have the caller hang up before you even swipe the screen, let alone have a chance to say ‘hello’. It’s a scenario we can all relate to. And for those whose movement has become affected by MND the challenge of answering the phone can become an immensely frustrating experience. Especially when waiting for medical updates and information or when you miss calls from loved ones. That’s why we recommend extending the ring time on your smartphone, so you have a lot more time to answer.

But just how do you extend the ring time of your phone?
By default, your smart phone rings for about 15 seconds before the call is diverted to voicemail. But there is a way to change how long your phone rings for in increments of five seconds, up to 30 seconds. Here’s how:

How to extend the ring time on TELSTRA mobile
1. On your mobile phone, tap on the Call function (like making a new call).

2.Using the keypad on your mobile phone, dial the following sequence: **61*101** (number of seconds: 15,20,25 or 30)

Example: To extend the ring time to 30 seconds, dial: **61*101**30

3. Tap #  then on the call / send button

A message will pop up to let you know that the code is successful

How to extend the ring time on OPTUS mobile:
1. On your mobile phone, tap on the Call function (like making a new call)

2. Using the keypad on your mobile phone, dial the following sequence: **61*321** (number of seconds: (15,20,25 or 30)

Example: To extend the ring time to 30 seconds, dial: **61*321**30

3. Tap on the call / send button

A message will pop up to let you know that the code is successful

How to extend the ring time on VODAFONE mobile:
1. On your mobile phone, tap on the Call function (like making a new call)

2. Using the keypad on your mobile phone, dial the following sequence: **61*121**11* (number of seconds: 15,20,25 or 30).

Example: To extend the ring time to 30 seconds, dial: **61*121**11*30.

3. Tap on the call / send button.

A message will pop up to let you know that the code is successful.

Now all that’s left to do is to find an awesome ring tone!

Disability Discrimination Act of 1992
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Australian Government agencies have to make sure information and services are accessible. Allowing for an extended ring time is just one example of ways technology can support individuals to maintain their independence.

Accessible Telecoms
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has launched Australia’s first independent resource that will provide information about the accessibility features of telephone handsets (fixed, mobile and teletypewriters) along with the accessories that make them usable for people with disabilities.

Made possible thanks to a National Readiness grant from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Accessible Telecoms also provides referrals for training, set-up, on-going support and equipment. It’s a free service and can be used by anyone, people with disability, their family & carers, service providers and advocates.

You can find out more about Accessible Telecoms HERE. To speak to someone regarding an enquiry then please call IDEAS on 1800 029 904 or contact Wayne Hawkins at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


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