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911 calls
using relay

Using relay in an emergency

When you are experiencing an emergency, it’s important that we connect you to the right emergency service provider.  T-Mobile complies with all Federal Communications Commission (FCC) emergency call handling requirements to process 911 calls for IP Relay, TTY, State CapTel and Speech to Speech. T-Mobile may collect your name, location, and other identifying information at the beginning of the 911 call to connect you to the most appropriate Emergency Services Provider or Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

For more information, please see the FCC Advisory Page

911 considerations by relay type

Steps for how to place emergency relay calls, and the limitations of using the service(s) for this purpose.

911 for IP Relay (web)

T-Mobile IP Relay allows registered users to login using an internet connection with a web browser through T-Mobile.com/iprelay.  The following physical geographic location information is essential to locate the most appropriate PSAP.

  • Street address
  • City, State, Zip Code
  • Area code and Phone number from where the caller is located

The caller should be prepared to provide an alternate means of re-establishing contact if disconnected during the 911 call (e.g., a 10-digit phone number with a TTY or a VRS call back number.)  

Steps to Place a 911 Call via the IP Relay web application

  1. Caller must be registered and logged in to t-mobile.com/iprelay
  2. Using t-mobile.com/iprelay enter “911” as the number to dial
  3. The 911 call will be answered in a priority queue by a Relay Operator to process the emergency call
  4. Caller will connect with Relay Operator and the emergency call will be placed to the appropriate PSAP based on location information obtained from IP Relay user's profile
  5. If one or both legs of an emergency call are disconnected, the T-Mobile IP Relay Operator will attempt to re-establish contact with the caller

NOTE:  The IP user can change geographic location information and select the preferred location to be used in case of an emergency through t-mobile.com/trsprofile.  International address changes are not allowed by the T-Mobile system.

Recommended and Supported Devices

 IP Relay web application requirements:

  • Internet connection - DSL, Cable, WiFi, wireless carrier networks*
  • ​Latest versions of Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari

 * Data charges may apply while using wireless carrier networks

Installs or Upgrades. T-Mobile IP Relay on the web does not require installs or upgrades.

Important:  Although IP Relay can be used for emergency calling, such emergency calling may not function the same as traditional 911/E911 services. By using IP Relay for emergency calling, you agree that T-Mobile is not responsible for any damages resulting from errors, defects, malfunctions, interruptions or failures in accessing or attempting to access emergency services through IP Relay; whether caused by the negligence of T-Mobile or otherwise. Other restrictions apply.

911 for IP Relay (app)

The T-Mobile  IP Relay mobile app allows registered users to log in using a mobile application through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.  Due to the mobility IP Relay users have today, the IP Relay caller will need to provide their current physical location. This information is essential to locate the most appropriate PSAP.

  • Street address
  • City, State, Zip Code
  • Area code and Phone number from where the caller is located

The caller should be prepared to provide an alternate means of re-establishing contact if disconnected during the 911 call (e.g., a 10-digit phone number with a TTY or a VRS call back number.)  

Steps to Place a 911 Call

  1. Caller must be registered and logged in to the IP Relay mobile application for Android or Apple devices.
  2. Turn on Location Services from the Android or iOS device in order to allow your device to provide location information for 911 emergency services.
  3. Using the IP Relay mobile app for Android or iOS, tap the "Red Phone 9-1-1" icon and tap OK to connect with emergency services.  
  4. The 911 call will be answered in a priority queue by a Relay Operator to process the emergency call
  5.  IP Relay mobile users are connected to PSAP or an Emergency Contact Center (ECC)
    1. If the Relay Operator can determine the caller’s location, they will route the call to a PSAP.  The PSAP will receive IP Relay caller’s location to dispatch emergency services.
    2. If the Relay Operator cannot determine a sufficiently precise location, the IP call will be routed to the ECC to determine the most appropriate PSAP.
    3. Relay Operator will relay any customer location information available to the ECC.  The ECC can then route the call to the appropriate PSAP, if possible.
    4. If one or both legs of an emergency call are disconnected.  Relay Operator will attempt to re-establish call

Recommended and Supported Devices

 IP Relay mobile app device requirements:

  • Smartphones or tablets running Android v 6.0 or higher and Apple iOS 11.0 or higher devices
  • Internet connection:  WiFi or wireless carrier networks*

* Data charges may apply while using wireless carrier networks

Installs or Upgrades. For the best performance, we recommend the most current version of the app.  You'll find the app version at the bottom of the Menu screen. To upgrade, visit Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Important: Although the IP Relay Mobile Services can be used for emergency calling, it does not function in the same manner as traditional wireline or wireless 911. You must carefully evaluate your individual circumstances in deciding whether to rely solely upon the IP Relay Mobile Services for 911 calling or to make alternative provisions for access to emergency calling services, such as attempting a voice call to 911 using the voice calling capability of your wireless phone. In many instances, when you dial 911 from your wireless phone it may automatically route to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point ("PSAP"), which may have automatic access to your ten-digit wireless telephone number, as well as automatic location information. You may also wish to consider calling 911 from a landline telephone or wireless telephone using a TTY/TDD device, for example.

 

911 for traditional relay (TTY)

Steps to Place a 911 Call (TTY, VCO, HCO, STS)

  1. Caller must connect to relay service via 711/or toll-free number

  2. The call will be answered by a Relay Operator to process the call

  3. Traditional relay user will type or speak to the Relay Operator to “Call 911” or “Call emergency”

  4. The emergency call will be placed to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) based on the calling from number (ANI) received when caller connected to relay service

  5. Relay Operator will identify the call to the PSAP authority

a. If the inbound disconnects prior to the call connecting to the PSAP the call will be placed and all known information will be passed to the PSAP authority

b. If the outbound disconnects the Relay Operator will attempt to reestablish the call

  1. The Relay Operator will remain on the line until call completion as determined by the PSAP

911 for Speech-to-Speech (STS)

Steps to Place a 911 Call

  1. Caller must connect to relay service via 711/or toll-free number

  2. The call will be answered by a Relay Operator to process the call

  3. Traditional relay user will type or speak to the Relay Operator to “Call 911” or “Call emergency”

  4. The emergency call will be placed to the appropriate Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) based on the calling from number (ANI) received when caller connected to relay service

  5. Relay Operator will identify the call to the PSAP authority

    1. If the inbound disconnects prior to the call connecting to the PSAP the call will be placed and all known information will be passed to the PSAP authority

    2. If the outbound disconnects the Relay Operator will attempt to reestablish the call.

  6. The Relay Operator will remain on the line until call completion as determined by the PSAP