Dialing 711via PBX

Do you know what 711 TRS is?

711 is the nationwide telephone number for accessing Telephone Relay Service (TRS).    TRS permits persons with a hearing or speech disability to use the telephone system via a text telephone (TTY) or other device to call persons with or without such disabilities.

Making TRS Calls

If you want to call someone using TRS, use your TTY, or dial 711 on your telephone, and you will automatically be connected to a TRS operator. If you’re a TRS user traveling out of state and want to make a call, there is no longer a need to learn the state’s TRS provider’s telephone number.  Just dial 711. It’s fast, functional, and free.

The 711 code is not just for use by persons with disabilities. Both voice and TRS users can initiate a call from any telephone, anywhere in the United States, without having to remember and dial a seven or ten-digit access number. For persons who have been using TRS for years, the convenience of dialing three digits is obvious.

711 dialing access does not work for Video Relay Service (VRS) or Internet Protocol (IP) Relay calls, because such calls are initiated through the Internet. Hearing persons initiating a VRS or IP Relay call may do so by calling a provider’s 800 number.

Dialing 711 From A Private Branch Exchange

FCC rules require all telephone companies (including wireline, wireless, and payphone providers) that operate private branch exchanges (PBXs) to implement three-digit 711 dialing for access to TRS. A PBX is a private telephone system within an organization that switches calls between internal users and allows users to share a certain number of external phone lines. PBX operators are required to modify their equipment to enable 711 dialing to ensure that everyone benefits from abbreviated dialing and consumers have easy access to TRS.

Callers from locations served by PBXs may be required to dial 9 or another prefix before entering the 711 code or placing an outside call. The FCC encourages PBX operators to work with telephone companies and TRS providers to facilitate 711 dialing for users.

The FCC recently determined that providers of interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service also must offer 711 abbreviated dialing.

911 and 711

Dialing 911 is the most familiar and effective way Americans have to find help in an emergency. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to provide direct, equal access to their emergency response services for people with disabilities who use TTYs or other devices. Therefore, in the event of an emergency, TTY users should call 911 directly, and not make a TRS call via 711.

Why is 711 TRS important to us?

As a communications resource we need to be ready to handle traffic that may need to be delivered to a person that may have hearing or speech.  Via 711 TRS we will be able to deliver messages in a more timely fashion when the situation arises.   We also need to let people know that the service exists.

Additional Relay Services

IP Relay – Internet Protocol Relay

VRS -Video Relay Service

Information Resources

711 Telephone Relay Service for the Deaf

FCC Dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay

i711.com

ip-relay.com