Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service allows persons with a hearing or speech disability to use Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) through a computer or web-enabled device to communicate through the telephone system with hearing persons.
How IP Relay Service works
IP Relay is accessible through the Internet rather than a TTY or telephone, allowing users to communicate by text.
Unlike traditional TRS – where a TTY user contacts a TRS center via telephone lines and a communications assistant calls the receiving party via voice telephone – the first leg of an IP Relay call goes from the caller’s computer or other Web-enabled device to the IP Relay Center via the Internet, usually through a webpage interface. The second leg of the call, as with traditional TRS, is from the communications assistant to the receiving party via voice telephone through the public switched telephone network.
There are no additional costs to consumers for IP Relay beyond a computer or Web-capable device and an Internet connection. IP Relay service providers are compensated from the Interstate TRS Fund, which the FCC oversees.
10-digit geographic numbers
Users must register with an IP Relay provider to receive a ten-digit geographic number from which they can make or receive calls. The ten-digit number enables location information to be included with calls to 911 operators, helping them route calls to the nearest emergency services providers.
Benefits of IP Relay
There are several consumer benefits of IP Relay:
- Availability – IP Relay is available to anyone who has access to the Internet via a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other Internet-enabled device.
- Convenience – IP Relay lets consumers make relay calls even when there is no TTY handy. In addition, consumers often say that using a computer screen and keyboard is easier than using a TTY. IP Relay permits much faster typing and allows users to see much more of the conversation on their computer screens than they can see with a TTY LCD window. IP Relay also allows users to print out and save conversations.
- Multiple Calls IP Relay users can initiate multiple calls simultaneously, make conference calls or browse the Internet while making a call.
- Quality – Transmission quality may be faster via IP Relay than via a TTY.
