Is there a charge for calling CRS using 7-1-1?
Using 7-1-1 provides easier access to California Relay Service
(CRS). As with dialing the 800 number, there is
no charge for calling the CRS. You
are, however, responsible for any toll or long distance charges for calls
you place using the CRS.
Can I still use the 800 CRS numbers?
Yes. The toll-free access numbers will continue to work. Using
7-1-1 is a more simple way to dial and is
easier to remember.
Why am I having problems using 7-1-1 from my work place?
There are two possible reasons why you may be having difficulty
dialing 7-1-1 from your workplace.
First, many offices use a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system to
route calls. Your PBX company's system may not
be configured or setup to recognize 7-1-1. If you are
having trouble calling CRS using 7-1-1, please check
with your company. Their PBX system may need to be adjusted or
updated.
Secondly, your company's PBX is likely to be connected to the local
telephone company switch for external calls. When you place an outbound
call from your office, it will go through your company PBX and be routed
through a local switch. If the local switch has not been updated to allow
for 7-1-1 dialing, even if your company PBX has been, you will not be
able to connect to CRS via 7-1-1.
Does 7-1-1 work for all users-TTY, Voice, VCO, ASCII?
Yes. 7-1-1 calls are first answered in Voice. If the Relay
Operator (RO) receives no response, the RO then
tries answering the call in Baudot (TTY).
If the RO still receives no response, the RO attempts to answer the call
in ASCII ( computer). It is recommended that Relay
users establish a personal
profile (Caller Profile) with MCI CRS Customer Service that identifies the
preference for answer protocol. Please see the Customer Service contact
information below.
Why does it take longer for my TTY call to be answered when I use 7-1-1?
As stated above, each incoming call dialed using 7-1-1 is answered
first by Voice, then by TTY. If you are a TTY
user and will be calling CRS regularly through 7-1-1,
you can establish a Caller Profile with MCI. With a
Caller Profile for TTY calls, your 7- 11 calls will be answered
immediately by TTY.
Can I use 7-1-1 from a pay phone?
Yes. The FCC ruling states that all payphones be programmed to
allow for 7-1-1 access to Relay services before
or on October 1, 2001. Should you experience
difficulty when using 7-1-1 from a payphone after October 1,
2001, please contact that specific Payphone Provider's Customer Service.
Can I use 7-1-1 from another state to reach California Relay Service?
No. The FCC ruling states that each state must provide 7-1-1 access
to its respective Relay Service Provider no
later than October 1, 2001. If you
are in another state and dial 7-1-1 in that state, your call will be
answered by that state's Relay Service Provider.
Will my CRS caller profile with MCI still work if I use 7-1-1?
Yes. Your current CRS Caller Profile with MCI will work if you dial
7-1-1 from the phone on which your profile is
based. If you do not have a Caller Profile with MCI,
and would like to establish one, please contact CRS
Customer Service using the contact information below. If you have a
CRS caller profile with another CRS provider,
it will not work with 7-1-1.
What about 7-1-1 access for Spanish and Speech-to-Speech (STS) customers?
Spanish and STS customers can reach CRS by dialing 7-1-1. Calls
will be answered in English in the protocol
described above (voice, TTY, ASCII). Spanish and
Speech-to Speech calls dialed using 7-1-1 will then be
transferred to a Spanish speaking RO, or an STS CA. It is
recommended that Spanish and STS customers dial
the respective toll-free access numbers in order to
reach CRS.
Can I reach other relay services by dialing 7-1-1 in California?
Your call will be directed to MCI CRS when you dial 7-1-1. Other
California Relay Service Providers may be reached by dialing their
regular toll free number.
For more information, Contact
California Relay Customer Service at:
1-800-735-0193 (TTY)
1-800-735-0373 (Voice)
1-800-735-0373 (Spanish)
crs-cs@wcom.com
(e-mail)
