10-Digit Local Number

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a local ten-digit number and why is one needed?

A. A ten-digit number is a personal phone number, just like the ones used on standard telephone lines. Each number is unique. The "prefix" numbers (the first three numbers – the area code) do not include 800, 877 or 866. By registering for a 10-digit number, you are more accessible to people who want to call you. Your callers will no longer need to dial an 800 number first to connect to a relay service. They will simply dial your dedicated local 10-digit number and connect directly to you through the relay service of your choice. When you make a call, your 10-digit number will be displayed on the other person’s caller ID screen. They’ll know it is you and be more likely to answer the call! Deaf users are also able to use point to point video calling with the 10-digit number. So you can give your deaf friends and family your new number and they can dial it directly.

Q. Who can get a ten-digit number?

A. Any person who is deaf, hard of hearing or has a speech disability and uses relay services may register for a 10-digit number for VRS or IP Relay.

Q. Why is it important to register?

A. The registration period is from December 31, 2008 to November 12, 2009. Unregistered Users will not be allowed to make or receive calls through VRS or IP relay. After the deadline, users will not be able to make and receive calls until they have registered with a VRS and/or IP provider. Emergency calls will be allowed with or without a 10-digit number.

Q. What happens if you already have a 10-digit number assigned from another relay provider?

A. You’ll be able to keep your own 10 digit numbers for Internet-based Relay (VRS/IP) services assigned by other providers and use Sprint Relay for your non-emergency calls.

Simply contact Sprint VRS or IP Customer Service or go to www.sprintvrs.com, click “My Account” or www.mysprintrelay.com to request that your number(s) be transferred to Sprint Relay. You’ll receive notification when your number is transferred.

If you received a Sprint Relay toll-free number before 12/31/08, login into your Account Profile to register for a local 10-digit number at www.sprintvrs.com. Your Sprint VRS toll-free and local number will provide the same location information in case of an emergency.

Q. What happens if I’ve moved to a new location?

A: You must keep your location (address) information up-to-date in your Account Profile to ensure that emergency calls connect to the most appropriate 911 operator.

To make changes or updates on your Account profile, log in to: www.sprintvrs.com or www.mysprintrelay.com and update your address in your Account profile.

Q. What is the ‘permissive calling’ period?

A. Permissive calling means that providers will continue to process non-emergency calls to and from unregistered users. This period will be April 1, 2009 to November 12, 2009. During this time, Sprint will continue to allow anyone who has not registered with a default provider to make and receive VRS or IP calls. Users will be reminded to register to obtain a ten-digit number.

Q. Will I be able to receive calls if I do not register for a 10-digit number with a VRS or IP provider?

A. If you use VRS/IP/IM and do not register for a 10-digit number, after November 12, 2009, you will not be able to make or receive calls, even with an IP address or screen name (IM) provided. 

You can get different numbers for equipment that uses the same service at different locations. For example: one number for VRS equipment at your home, a second number for VRS equipment at your office and a third for IP relay from your computer.

Q. Can I change my default provider?

A. Yes. You may change your default provider at any time. To change your default provider, contact and register with your new VRS or IP Relay provider. You may request your new provider to transfer (port) your ten-digit number from your old provider so you can keep the same number. Check with your equipment or service provider that porting will not affect your device functionality.

Q. Will my equipment work with a new default provider?

A. You can keep your equipment when you change to a new default provider. The new default provider must work with your equipment to be sure you can make and receive calls using your ten-digit number.

However, some features that your equipment provides – such as missed call lists or speed dial lists – may not work with your new default provider. Before you change default providers, ask about the features that can be provided with your equipment.

Q. Can I use my local number from other VRS or IP providers as my Sprint Call Now number?

A. Yes. Customer Care can support you in transferring your number from other VRS or IP providers.

Q. I like XYZ VRS. Can I use this local number to connect to XYZ VRS?

A. Yes, the call will be connected through your default relay provider when you receive the call. You also have a choice of using Sprint VRS by entering sprintvrs.tv for a fast connection to highly qualified interpreters. Important to note, your location information for 9-1-1 calling is only maintained by your preferred or default provider. If you prefer to use SprintVRS for your emergency call, you can call to 911now.tv to have the call handled by a Sprint VRS Video Interpreter. Please be prepared to provide your location information to expedite your call to the appropriate 911 dispatcher.

Q. Can I use my local home telephone number with Sprint VRS or IP?

A. Yes. You can transfer your telephone number from your Local Telephone Company. However, if you do this you will lose access to your home telephone service. Contact your Local Telephone Company to confirm that there is no charge for terminating your local telephone service.

Q. I have a toll free number but I have not registered for a local number. How will I be notified that the toll free number is no longer valid?

A. Sprint has e-mailed all toll free users and notified them that they need to obtain a local number. If you have not obtained a local Call Now number, go to www.sprintvrs.com, log in to your account and click on "Account Profile." At the bottom of your profile page and you will see the assigned toll-free number listed. If you do not see a local number (Call Now number) listed, you will need to click the button "Get Your Sprint Call Now Number" to get a new local number.
You will then be prompted to select State, Area Code, and City (or closest city). A list of up to 5 local numbers will be displayed and you can select a number. Once the local Call Now Number is selected and submitted, you will receive an activation e-mail that the number is ready to be used.

Q. Can I keep my toll-free number?

A. VRS or IP Relay users may keep their toll-free (800 or 866) numbers or get a new toll-free number, as long as the user has also registered for a local 10-digit number that connected with the toll-free number by 11/12/09; and any additional costs are paid for by the user or by the VRS or IP Relay provider. Not all services provide toll-free numbers.

Q. Why should I go to Sprint for Call Now numbers instead of other companies?

A. Sprint Relay has offered internet relay services since 2002. We provide highly qualified Video Interpreters and Relay operators to handle your calling needs. Sprint Relay has fast answer times to expedite your VRS and IP calls.

Q. I already have a Call Now number for Sprint VRS. If I want a Sprint IP or IM Call Now number, do I need another account?

A. Yes, you need a separate Call Now number for IP and IM services.

Q. Are there any video instructions on how ten-digit phone numbers work? Are there video instructions for hearing people?

A. Call Now – 10-digit number interactive online website training and video commercials are posted at www.sprintrelay.com.

Q. Is this service offered in Spanish?

A. Sprint VRS is available in English and Spanish. Your Call Now number can be routed to either an English or Spanish Video Interpreter by selecting “Spanish” or “English” as your preferred language in your Account Profile. 

Sprint IP and IM offer Spanish relay services and will have a Spanish version of the telephone number registration website.

Q. I have a local number already in use but I want to add a toll-free (800) number for Sprint VRS. How can I get a toll-free number?

A. Go to www.sprintvrs.com and log in to your account. Click on your Account Profile page. At the bottom of the user profile, you should see your local number listed. If you do not see a toll-free number listed, click the “Get Your Call Now Number” button to get a new toll-free number.

Q. I do not have a local or toll-free number for Sprint VRS. What do I do?

A. You will need to register for a new account at www.sprintvrs.com. Click “New Member” and you will be asked to fill out an Account Profile. The physical address information will be used to connect to the most appropriate emergency center in case of an emergency. Upon completing your Account Profile, you may begin to select a toll-free number and/or a local number. 

If you already have an account, you need to log-in. At the bottom of the page, click “Get Your Sprint Call Now Number” and you will be directed to a page to begin the number registration process.

Q. If I have an extension number for Sprint VRS, do I need to do anything?

A. Yes, if you only have an extension number, it is time to upgrade to a Call Now number. You can register to obtain a toll-free number and/or a local number. All you need to do is log-in to your account. At the bottom of Account Profile page, you will see a “Get Your Sprint Call Now Number” button to select your numbers. The website will lead you through selecting a toll-free number and/or a local number.

Q. I have both a local number and a toll-free number for Sprint VRS. Do I need to do anything?

A. You are all set. Make sure you have provided the most current IP address for your device (videophone or computer). Sprint encourages you to have someone make a test call by calling your number. It is important that you update any changes to your physical address or IP address to ensure a connection to Sprint VRS.