Back to Special needs

Mobility Message Relay Centre

Message Relay Centre (MRC) enables clients who are deaf, hard of hearing or experience difficulty with speech – and who use a Teletypewriter (TTY) – to communicate with regular telephone users. Message Relay Centre is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There is no additional charge for Message Relay Service to place local calls.

 

Numbers to call

  • 711 (TTY to Voice from a mobile phone).
  • 1-800-855-0511 (Voice to TTY).
  • 1-800-855-1155 (TTY to TTY).
    For Operator Assistance in billing your long distance call to another TTY.

 

How Message Relay works for Mobility TTY users

Using a portable TTY device plugged into your mobility phone:

  • First dial 711 from a mobility phone
  • The Relay agent will answer identifing themselves with (agent's name) SPEAKING, followed by GA (for go ahead).
  • Type in the area code and number you would like to call, and then type GA.
    Note: although you aren't required to give the agent your name or the name of the person you are trying to reach, doing so helps the agent connect to the person you are calling.
  • The Relay agent will dial the number and will let you know how the connection is progressing e.g. (ringing 1...2...3...), inform you when someone answers, and then give the person's gender in brackets (e.g. (f) female, (m) male).

 

Tips for TTY users

  • Give MRC your name and the name of the person you are calling. This makes it easier for us to initiate your call.
  • Give MRC the call recipient's area code, even when it is a local call.
  • When calling a business with multiple departments, tell the Relay agent which department you wish to reach at the beginning of the call.
  • You may leave messages on answering machines or voice mail systems through MRC. When you leave a message, leave the MRC voice to deaf number (1-800-855-0511) as part of your message, along with your area code and phone number.

 

Rates & Billing

  • Airtime rates and any applicable long distance and/or directory assistance charges apply for incoming and outgoing calls.