Over-the-phone interpretation (OPI) is the most widely used form of remote interpretation in the United States, and for good reason. OPI provides instant access to qualified interpreters in hundreds of languages through a simple phone call, making it the fastest, most accessible, and most cost-effective way to bridge language barriers in real time.
The mechanics of OPI are straightforward. When an organization encounters a language barrier, a staff member calls the OPI service, specifies the language needed, and is connected with a qualified interpreter — typically in under 60 seconds. The interpreter then facilitates the conversation using consecutive interpretation, allowing each party to speak in their own language while the interpreter relays the message accurately in the other.
OPI is ideal for a wide range of situations. In healthcare, it is commonly used in emergency departments, urgent care centers, pharmacies, insurance verification calls, and discharge planning. In government, OPI supports 311 call centers, social services intake, law enforcement encounters, and public benefits applications. In business, OPI enhances customer service lines, help desks, HR departments, and insurance claims processing.
The advantages of OPI over on-site interpretation include immediate availability (no scheduling required), lower cost per minute, access to rare languages that may not have local interpreters, and the ability to scale instantly during high-volume periods. OPI requires no special equipment — any telephone will work — which makes it particularly valuable in field settings, home visits, and rural locations.
To get the most out of OPI, follow these best practices. Brief the interpreter on the context of the call before beginning. Speak directly to the person you are communicating with, not to the interpreter. Use clear, simple language and avoid jargon when possible. Pause between sentences to allow the interpreter to relay the message accurately. And provide the interpreter with any relevant documents or reference materials in advance when feasible.
BeKonek Solutions provides 24/7 OPI services in more than 300 languages with average connection times under 60 seconds. Our phone interpreters are professionally trained, regularly assessed for quality, and specialized by subject matter — from healthcare and legal to insurance and social services. We offer flexible pricing models including per-minute and monthly plans to fit organizations of every size.
OPI is the backbone of most language access programs, and choosing the right provider makes all the difference. Let us show you how seamless multilingual communication can be.