Q. Are there costs for ten-digit numbering and 911 emergency call handling?
A. At this time there is no charge to the VRS or IP user. Telephone users typically pay for the following:
- the costs of getting ten-digit numbers;
- the costs of getting and using toll-free numbers;
- and charges that state or local governments may impose for enhanced 911 services.
To protect consumers, any VRS or IP Relay provider that wants to charge these or other numbering-related costs to VRS or IP Relay users must first get FCC approval.
Q. If I did not register, will the system allow me to call 911?
A. Yes, you will be able to make emergency calls even without the local number assigned. If you prefer to use SprintVRS to make an emergency call, you can call 911now.tv to be connected to a Sprint VRS Video Interpreter. However, since you have not registered you will need to provide you location information to the VI to expedite the call.
Q. Can I make a 911 emergency call through another VRS or IP Relay provider?
A. All 911 emergency calls made through VRS or IP Relay must receive priority attention. 911 emergency calls will be answered by the first available communications assistant ahead of non-emergency calls.
With ten-digit numbers, when you make a 911 emergency call through your default provider, your call, along with your ten-digit number and registered location information, is sent automatically to an appropriate 911 emergency call center.
When you make a 911 emergency call through another provider that is not your default, you must provide your location information so your call can be manually routed to an appropriate 911 emergency call center.
Making a 911 emergency call through another provider may result in delays.
Q. What else should I know about 911 emergency calls?
A. Learn how to update your registered location information with your default provider. Promptly update your location or IP information any time it changes, even if the change is temporary. Remember this location is where an emergency dispatcher will send help when an emergency call is placed. Do NOT use post office box addresses in your registration.
Learn about any limitations of your service. For example, have a back-up plan for making 911 emergency calls when there is a power outage or when your Internet service is not available.
Inform children, babysitters, and visitors about using your VRS or IP Relay service; any limitations on making 911 emergency calls; and all information needed in an emergency. Keep instructions for making 911 emergency calls, as well as your address and other information, written down and near your VRS or IP Relay equipment.
If you are disconnected from a 9-1-1 call, the dispatcher will attempt to call you back using your 10-digit phone number. It is possible that a call can be disconnected via the relay service. This is why having a 10-digit phone number is crucial during an emergency. With the 10-digit phone number the emergency dispatcher will be able to reconnect with you much quicker and easier.
Q. What if I have a problem making a 911 emergency call through my default provider?
A. After the emergency, notify your default provider about your problem completing a 911 emergency call. If your default provider cannot or does not properly address your problem, you can file a complaint with the FCC. More information about filing a complaint is in the FCC Consumer Advisory, available at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/trstendigit-user-meaning.pdf.