Bell Atlantic Introduces 7-1-1 Access for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Customers

As of June 1, customers in New York will have a simpler way to access the state's Relay Service, thanks to a new three-digit dialing capability introduced by Bell Atlantic. The 7-1-1 number will allow people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired to communicate with standard telephone users using text telephones (TTYs). This initiative is part of Bell Atlantic's efforts to improve accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

Key Takeaways:

• The 7-1-1 number will replace the current 11-digit, toll-free number required for relay service in other states.
• New York is the seventh state to introduce 7-1-1 dialing for relay service, with every state in Bell Atlantic's Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions expected to have three-digit access by the end of the year.
• The Relay Service is operated jointly by Bell Atlantic and all telephone companies operating in the state.
• The service allows TTY users to communicate with standard telephone users through trained relay operators who act as intermediaries.
• Calls are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without any charge.
• The current New York relay numbers, 1-800-662-1220 for TTY calls and 1-800-421-1220 for voice calls, will continue to be available for calls within the state.
• Bell Atlantic has been a leader in developing innovative solutions for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities and has reserved the 7-1-1 number for relay services nationwide.

Statistics:

• 44 million: The number of telephone access lines served by Bell Atlantic companies worldwide.
• 20 million: The number of wireless customers served by Bell Atlantic companies worldwide.
• 23 countries: The number of countries where Bell Atlantic companies have operations and investments.

Sources:

• "Starting June 1, Three-Digit Number Reaches Service for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Speech-Impaired Customers" (PRNewswire, May 18)
• "Bell Atlantic's News Center" (http://www.ba.com)