There are two reasons why having a 10-digit number is important. First, it allows direct calling from hearing people with a single number. Secondly, it's needed for processing emergency calls through Internet Relay to the nearest 911 Emergency call center because it carries with it my registered location information. These are the two primary reasons why it is critical to obtain a local 10-digit number.
Obtain your 10-Digit number from Hamilton, which is called Hamilton HomeTown Number, by clicking on the HomeTown Number icon, and then click on Register. From this account you will be able to establish preferences on how your calls are handled.
You will need a separate number for each service. You will need to get a 10-digit number for Internet Relay, as well as for VRS. You might use each service at the same location, however the services are very different, and the devices used may be different. It is important to get a 10-digit number for each, so get registered today!
Hamilton has provided a unique approach to this by allowing up to 3 screen names per location. If I normally use two screen names at home, I can get one number for both screen names combined. At work, I can register a different screen name and have a different number associated with my work screen name(s). Hamilton allows you to register up to 3 screen names for each location you for which you wish to obtain a 10-digit number.
When placing calls on Web Relay or Instant Relay, you will not be charged for long distance calls. When your HomeTown Number is dialed, the calling party may incur long distance charges, depending on several factors, including but not limited to: the caller's phone plan as well as whether the call from the caller's location to your 10-digit number results in a long distance call.
Yes, you can change your Preferred Relay Provider. The process is quite simple. If you want to change from Provider A to Provider B, simply contact the new provider and inform them you would like to port a number from Provider A. The new Provider will make the port happen.
You can certainly port your TTY number to Internet Relay. Although, by moving that number, your TTY telephone service will not be available to you anymore. You can do the same with your cell phone number, however, once you port that number, you won't be able to use your TTY. It's up to you to port numbers from an existing service.
Your 10-digit number can be transferred to Hamilton Relay, as well as to or from other VRS and/or IP relay Service providers as well as: Wireless carriers; Cable providers; Local telephone company; or VoIP carriers.
This process, called "porting", can be done by contacting the VRS or IP Relay Service provider that you want to become your new provider.
Ask your new provider what features are and are not available. Make sure the services and features you want and need are available. (Refer to Services and Features below.)
The transfer is not immediate. Check with your new provider to find out how long it will take before your new service is set up.
If you move from state to state, check with your new provider to determine if you need a new local 10-digit number.
When you move and/or change your number, you must register your location information (name and address) with your new or current provider. This is very important for E-911 service to work properly.
As noted above, during the porting process to your new provider, there may be a period of "mixed service" - when your 10-digit telephone number may be transitioning from one provider to another. During this time period, your E911 service may be affected. The call should go through, but the 911 operator may not be able to call you back if the call gets disconnected. For this reason, before porting a number, ask your new provider how long the porting process will take and how it will affect a 911 call.
It is important to keep your location information updated! Should you not have updated location information, you may be able to continue to place calls, however your emergency calls may not be as efficient as they would be with accurate location information. Outdated location information could impact the ability to connect with an emergency center because the current location is different than the location that is registered with the services. I may get connected with the wrong emergency center! We encourage you to update your location information. You can easily update that with your Preferred Provider. With Hamilton, simply visit My Account to log in and update your address. Be sure to save it!
If you are registered with Hamilton Relay:
You will connect with a Hamilton Relay Communication Assistant (CA) and the CA will verify your registered location. If your registered location is accurate, inform the CA that the location is correct. The CA will connect your call to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The PSAP will be able to view your contact and location information.
If you are NOT registered with Hamilton Relay, or your location information is not up to date:
Because the Internet functions differently than the standard telephone network, your specific location information is not able to automatically be given to emergency personnel. Therefore, the CA will connect to the emergency call center through a third party agency that keeps track of the local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) centers across the country which handle emergency/911 calls. You will be required to provide your specific location, as well as the nature of your emergency to the CA when connected. Your call with then be directed to the nearest PSAP to you and emergency personnel will communicate with you through the CA regarding your emergency.
Yes, only if you called from a registered service associated with your 10-digit number. The 911 call taker can dial your 10-digit number as seen on their screen. Your number and address will ONLY show up if you call via your Preferred Relay Provider.
Calls dialed directly from landlines (your TTY or Voice line) automatically connect directly to 911 and your location information and phone number will appear on their screen.
Calling through your Preferred Relay Provider might take longer because you are calling through a CA.
Calling through a relay provider with which you are NOT registered could take a long time while questions about your location are clarified.
The Internet (which is not 100% stable) can drop calls and experience disconnections.