Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some frequently posed questions about Georgia Relay and the features we offer.

* Who administers Georgia Relay? How was Georgia Relay's service provider chosen?
The Georgia Public Service Commission is responsible for the establishment, implementation, administration and promotion of Georgia Relay. At present, Hamilton Relay is Georgia Relay's service provider. The provider was selected through a competitive bidding process and is under contract to the commission.

* Why does Georgia Relay recommend completing a Georgia Relay Customer Profile?
A Georgia Relay Customer Profile is not only convenient, but also a valuable time-saver. With this feature, Georgia Relay users can establish a personal profile that will let the CA automatically know the communication preference they prefer, whether TTY, VCO, HCO or voice. All information you provide is kept confidential, and a password is required to access and/or edit your profile.

* Can I designate a specific carrier for my long-distance Relay calls?
Absolutely! The best way to designate—and update, if necessary—your preferred long-distance carrier is by completing a Georgia Relay Customer Profile. For more information, visit the "Features" section of this Web site and click on the words "Georgia Relay Customer Profile" in the brown bar. Please note that if you do not designate a preferred carrier, the call will be billed by Georgia Relay's long-distance provider at a discounted rate.

* What about international calls?
International calls (English-to-English and Spanish-to-Spanish only) are handled in this way: if no preferred carrier is named, the call will be billed by Georgia Relay's international provider at a discounted rate. You can indicate your preferred international provider on your Georgia Relay Customer Profile as well. 

* Does Georgia Relay cost money to use?
There is no charge to use Georgia Relay within the local calling area, and there are no setup fees, even for calls made from public and TTY (text telephone) pay phones. Since there is no limit on the number or length of calls a Georgia Relay user may make, feel free to talk as little or as long as you wish.

* When can I make and receive Georgia Relay calls?
Anytime! Georgia Relay is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays.

* Will my conversations be kept confidential?
You can always depend on the security and confidentiality of your Georgia Relay calls. By law, our CAs are required to maintain absolute confidentiality about all conversations.

* Is CapTel® available in Georgia?
Yes! Developed by Ultratec and available exclusively through Georgia Relay, CapTel works like any other phone—with one important difference. Using the latest in voice recognition software, CapTel displays every word the caller says. So you can hear what’s being said—and read the captioned conversation on a bright display screen. Best of all, the CapTel captioning service is free.

You can benefit from CapTel if you are:
• An amplified phone user
• Hard of hearing
• A late-deafened adult
• Deaf with understandable speech
• Someone with a cochlear implant
• A Voice Carry-Over (VCO) user

To use CapTel, you need a Captioned Telephone. For a limited time only, Georgia residents can purchase a CapTel phone for just $99! Click here to download an order form or visit www.weitbrecht.com (be sure to mention the $99 special offer for Georgia residents).     

Free phones are available through the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program for those who qualify medically and financially (click here for more information).
 
For more information about CapTel service, call 1-866-694-5824 (voice/TTY) or e-mail garelay@hamiltonrelay.com.

For step-by-step instructions on how to make and receive a CapTel call, click here.

* What about 2-Line CapTel?
With 2-Line CapTel, callers can dial you directly, rather than dialing the captioning service first. As a 2-Line CapTel user, you can also access special features available through your telephone provider, such as call waiting and voice mail.

To use 2-Line CapTel, you need:
• A CapTel phone (model 200)
• Two separate phone lines, each with its own number. The jacks for both lines need to be side-by-side or close together.

Call 1-866-694-5824 (voice/TTY) or e-mail garelay@hamiltonrelay.com to learn more.

* How do I get a CapTel phone?
For a limited time only, Georgia residents can purchase a CapTel phone for just $99! Click here to download an order form or visit www.weitbrecht.com (be sure to mention the $99 special offer for Georgia residents).     

Free phones are available through the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program for those who qualify medically and financially (click here for more information).

* Several of my friends have been making Relay calls over the Internet. What is this feature called and how can I learn more?
Through a feature called Internet Relay, people can make Relay calls using their computer, Web phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or any other Internet-capable device. To access this feature, you must have an Internet Service Provider (ISP). For step-by-step instructions on how to make an Internet Relay call, visit the "Features" section of this Web site and click on the words "Internet Relay" in the brown bar.

* Are there any features specifically designed for sign language users?
Video Relay Service (VRS), one of our newest features, makes it possible for sign language users to communicate in their native language via video conferencing. For step-by-step instructions on how to make a VRS call, visit the "Features" section of this Web site and click on Georgia Relay "VRS" in the brown bar.

* What about features for Spanish speakers?
Spanish-speaking Georgia Relay users can take advantage of Spanish-to-Spanish Relay by dialing 1-888-202-3972.

* I received my TTY through the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP), and it doesn't seem to be working properly. What should I do?
Bring your equipment to the Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired (GACHI) office nearest you. If your equipment is still under warranty, GACHI will repair it free of charge. If not, they will ship your equipment to the appropriate supplier, and you will be responsible for all repair costs. For more information, visit www.gachi.org or call 1-800-541-0710 (voice/TTY) and ask for the phone number and location of the GACHI office nearest you.

* I have a young child who is deaf. Does the GATEDP offer relay equipment for children?
Certain types of relay equipment are designed specifically for children who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled. However, applicants must be at least five years of age to receive equipment from the GATEDP. For more information about the kinds of equipment available for your child, contact the GACHI office nearest you or call 1-800-541-0710 (voice/TTY).