Ten Digits that Can Make Your Life Safer and Simpler

Ten-digit numbering has been the standard for voice telephone users for decades. Well, now the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules that also require Video Relay Service (VRS) and Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service users to register with a carrier and obtain a ten-digit number to place and receive calls.

Before you tell yourself that this is just one more thing for your to-do list, you might want to consider the two most important benefits brought on with this change. What are they? The most critical benefit is ensuring that any emergency calls placed by a deaf or hard-of-hearing person will be automatically routed to the appropriate emergency services. And because every ten-digit number is assigned to a user’s registered physical location, a 911 call center operator can quickly dispatch those services to the right address.

Another benefit is that ten-digit numbering can simplify your communications. How? Once you have a ten-digit number, you can provide callers with a single telephone number that will connect you through your preferred service provider. In other words, callers no longer have to carry out multiple steps, such as calling your service provider and providing them with your IP address, in order to contact you. What’s more, you can make and receive calls directly with another person using VRS or IP Relay equipment.

Obtaining a Ten-Digit Number is Easy

So what's next? To continue using your VRS and IP Relay Service, you must register with a service provider and obtain a 10-digit number. During the registration process, you’ll be asked to certify that you have a medically recognized hearing or speech disability that necessitates the use of assistive communication solutions.

Once you choose a provider, that provider will become your “default” provider and will route and deliver all of your incoming and outgoing calls. But you can still use other providers to make and receive calls. To do so, simply go to an alternate provider’s website or dial their toll-free number whenever you want to use their service.

Change Your Default Provider Any Time

And if you decide that you’re not happy with your provider choice? No problem. Even though you can only choose one default provider, you’re free to switch to a new default provider at any time. And if you switch, you can have your ten-digit number transferred to the new provider, in the same way that voice telephone users can switch telephone providers and keep their ten-digit numbers.

What happens to the equipment you’ve been using? It’s simple. VRS or IP Relay users who switch to a new default provider and transfer their numbers are entitled to keep any equipment supplied to them by the previous provider. In fact, the new default provider must work with your equipment to ensure that you can make and receive calls.

A word of caution: Don’t assume that enhanced features of the equipment, such as missed-call or speed-dial lists, will still be available after switching default providers. Instead, prior to selecting or changing your default provider, ask the potential provider if they can give you enhanced services on your equipment. This way, you won’t have any unpleasant surprises after you make the switch.

The Time is Now

Remember, if you are a VRS or IP Relay user, you must register with the provider of your choice to obtain your ten-digit telephone number. Soon you will not be able to complete a call unless you have registered with a default provider, so act now!

For more information on ten-digit numbers, click here.

For a list of service providers, click here.