AUGUSTA – Last fall, a three-digit number for access to all Telecommunications Relay Services, 711, joined the calling shortcuts 911 and 411 as a benefit to teletypewriter users.

A TTY machine allows people with speech or hearing disabilities to communicate over the phone using a keyboard and a viewing screen. A TTY user calls a voice telephone user through a Telecommunications Relay Services provider, or relay center, where a communications assistant places a call to the voice user. The communications assistant transcribes spoken word content for the TTY user and reads text aloud for the voice user.

Those interested in calling a TTY user now only need to dial 711 to reach a TRS operator. In addition, TTY users traveling outside Maine only need to dial 711. Both the TTY user and the person calling a TTY user will be able to initiate a call from any telephone in the United States without having to remember the seven- or 10-digit access number.

Under FCC regulations adopted last year, telecommunications carriers in the United States, including wireless and pay phone providers, must provide 711 TRS dialing.

Consumers unable to get 711 TRS access should contact the FCC’s Consumer Center at (888) CALL-FCC for voice callers, or (888) TELL-FCC for TTY users.