Tips for TTY User

• When you call the relay, wait until you see "GA" before beginning to type. Prior to that point, the Communications Assistant will not have access to what you type. 

• Give the Communications Assistant as much information as possible at the beginning of the call, including the area code and number to dial and any special instructions. 

• You can request that the Communications Assistant not identify or not explain the relay to the hearing user, or you can replace the standard greeting with your own customized greeting, such as, "This is (your name) and I’m calling through relay. "  A custom greeting may reduce hang-ups by the hearing person who may mistakenly believe the call is from a telemarketer or is a scam call. 

• You may request a male or female Communications Assistant. 

• When typing a word or name that you would like the relay operator to spell out, use spaces between each letter. The Communications Assistant will then voice each letter individually. (Example:  "Cheyenne…C h e y e n n e ")

• Please wait until you see "PERSON HUNG UP GA" before you give the Communications Assistant the next number to dial.  Make sure to include the area code, especially if it is different from the area code for the previous call.

• If you have any questions, comments or concerns about your call, the Communications Assistant will refer you (and at your request, transfer you) to Customer Service.  In doing so, the Communications Assistant is remaining in her/his required role.  Customer Service is more than happy to discuss any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.

Garbling

Garbling on a TTY can be triggered by a number of factors, including:

• Call waiting, if it is a feature on the phone line connected to the TTY

• Loud noises in the background

• Construction on the phone lines

• Low power on the TTY

• Weather

• Cracked phone couplers

• Static on the telephone line

• Improper TTY settings

• TTY shifting between letters and numbers

• Poor connection for a variety of reasons, such as if the standard user is on a cell phone and has a weak signal. 

• Auto ID feature on some TTY’s , which send voice messages stating that "This is a TTY."  This feature can garble the printed text and should be turned off prior to calling the relay.

• Phone service that is not compatible with the TTY.

If you experience garbling on your TTY, try these suggestions.

• Hit a letter key a few times to reset your TTY.

• Change your TTY setting to Baudot.

• Check for possible noises (music, dog barking, fan, air conditioner, TV, etc.) and eliminate them if possible. 

• Check to ensure the telephone handset fits snugly in the TTY coupler.

• As a last resort, hang up and redial. 

• For ongoing garbling, check with your telephone service provider to ensure your TTY is connected to a standard (analog) telephone line.

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