Frequently Asked Questions

HomeTown Number

  1. What is Hamilton HomeTown Number™?
  2. Why is it important to get a locally-based, 10-digit number?
  3. How do I obtain a 10-digit number from Hamilton Relay?
  4. How many HomeTown numbers can I set up?
  5. Do I need to have a number for each service, VRS and Internet Relay?
  6. Do I need to register each screen name, in order to get separate 10-digit numbers?
  7. Can a voice user call me using my HomeTown Number(s)?
  8. Can I choose my own HomeTown numbers?
  9. Can I change my HomeTown Numbers?
  10. If I move will my HomeTown numbers stay the same?
  11. Can anyone call me using my HomeTown Number(s)?
  12. How do I receive calls?
  13. If I forget my Hamilton HomeTown Number(s)™, how can I look it up?
  14. Will my Hamilton HomeTown Number(s)™ be ready to use right away?
  15. Will people be able to reach me at either my HomeTown Number or my Hamilton Instant Relay™ 800 number?
  16. Will there be long distance charges associated with my locally-based, 10-digit HomeTown Number?
  17. How do I receive calls on Hamilton Web Relay™ with my Hamilton HomeTown Number™?
  18. On my Log In screen, the "Remember Me" option does not remember my password.
  19. My login screen does not remember my User ID when I have "Remember Me" enabled.
  20. Am I allowed to keep my existing 10-digit number and port it to a different provider?
  21. Can I port my existing TTY number to Internet Relay?
  22. Can I keep my existing 10-digit number and use it with Hamilton Relay?
  23. How would my Service and Features from my existing 10-digit service be affected if I port my number?
  24. What do I need to do before changing VRS and/or IP Relay Service providers?
  25. Where do I process my request to port my number to use with Hamilton Internet Relay?
  26. If I have relocated and haven't updated my registered location, what will happen?
  27. Is there information on the 10-digit numbering requirements from the FCC?

HomeTown Number

1. What is Hamilton HomeTown Number™?
Hamilton HomeTown Number is a locally-based, 10-digit number that allows you to receive calls through Hamilton Internet Relay. You can obtain your Hamilton HomeTown Number by creating a Hamilton HomeTown Number Account. Once you have registered, you will receive a locally-based, 10-digit number for each location you register. This will allow any caller to conveniently call you, using Hamilton Internet Relay, and, when you are not available, they will be able to leave you a message which is sent to your e-mail.

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2. Why is it important to get a locally-based, 10-digit number?
Click to see answer in ASL

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.

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3. How do I obtain a 10-digit number from Hamilton Relay?
Click to see answer in ASL

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.

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4. How many HomeTown numbers can I set up?
You can set up as many HomeTown Numbers as you would like – fit your specific needs and receive calls in various locations, with various connection methods.

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5. Do I need to have a number for each service, VRS and Internet Relay?
Click to see answer in ASL

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!

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6. Do I need to register each screen name, in order to get separate 10-digit numbers?
Click to see answer in ASL

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.

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7. Can a voice user call me using my HomeTown Number(s)?
YES! Voice users can call YOU with your Hamilton HomeTown Number. Once you set up your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account and obtain your locally-based, 10-digit number, you will be able to receive calls through the connection methods as established in your account.

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8. Can I choose my own HomeTown numbers?
Hamilton Relay will assign a specific number for your HomeTown Number, unless you port your existing 10-digit number to Hamilton Relay.

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9. Can I change my HomeTown Numbers?
Yes you can change your Hamilton HomeTown Number™. If you move from your registered location to an area code that is different then your Current Hamilton HomeTown Number, then you may establish a new Hamilton HomeTown Number for your new area code.

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10. If I move will my HomeTown numbers stay the same?
Yes, your Hamilton Home Town Number will remain the same if you move to a new location within the same area code as your Current Hamilton Home Town Number. If you move to a new location in a different area code than your current Hamilton Home Town Number, you may establish a new 10-digit number for your new area code.

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11. Can anyone call me using my HomeTown Number(s)?
Yes! Anyone can call you using your HomeTown Number(s).

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12. How do I receive calls?
Register for a Hamilton HomeTown Number™ Account to obtain your locally-based, 10-digit number. While registering, you will be asked to choose which connection methods you would like to use for the selected location – through AOL® Instant Messenger™, Google Talk™, or Hamilton Web Relay™.

To receive calls via AOL Instant Messenger, you will need to Activate your screen name that is listed in your HomeTown Number registration. After you have activated your screen name, you will just need to log in to receive your incoming calls. If you are not logged in, you will receive an email notifying you of a missed call, along with a message if the caller chose to leave one.

To receive calls via Google Talk, you will need to Activate your screen name that is listed in your HomeTown Number registration. After you have activated your screen name, you will just need to log in to receive your incoming calls. If you are not logged in, you will receive an email notifying you of a missed call, along with a message if the caller chose to leave one.

To receive calls via Hamilton Web Relay, you will just need to log into your Hamilton Web Relay account to receive your incoming calls. If you are not logged in, you will receive an email notifying you of a missed call, along with a message if the caller chose to leave one.

To modify your connection methods, simply log into your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account.


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13. If I forget my Hamilton HomeTown Number(s)™, how can I look it up?
Log into your Hamilton HomeTown Number Account to view your current Hamilton HomeTown Number.

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14. Will my Hamilton HomeTown Number(s)™ be ready to use right away?
Yes! Your number(s) will be ready to use once you've received your Hamilton HomeTown Number(s) and after you have Activated the Screen Name associated with your HomeTown Number(s) if you choose to use AOL® Instant Messenger™ or Google Talk™.

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15. Will people be able to reach me at either my HomeTown Number or my Hamilton Instant Relay™ 800 number?
No, effective March 31, 2009, Hamilton will not process calls to your 866 number.

If you have not registered for your locally-based Hamilton HomeTown Number, you will need to do so in order to continue to receive calls for free. Simply visit My Account to update your settings. Simply log in with your Hamilton Instant Relay account login ID!

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16. Will there be long distance charges associated with my locally-based, 10-digit HomeTown Number?
Click to see answer in ASL

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.

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17. How do I receive calls on Hamilton Web Relay™ with my Hamilton HomeTown Number™?
If you wish to receive calls via Hamilton Web Relay with your HomeTown Number, please note that you will need to disable your popup blocker for Hamilton Relay's website. Below are instructions on how to disable your popup blocker for specific browsers.

Windows XP
Internet Explorer (IE):
1. Click on Tools
2. Click on Pop-Up Blocker
3. Click on Pop-Up Blocker Settings
4. In the "Address of website to allow:" field, type Hamilton Relay's URL, www.hamiltonrelay.com and www.hamiltonnationalrelay.com
5. Click the Add button
6. Click on Close and Apply

Mozilla:
1. Click on Tools
2. Select Options
3. In the Options window, select the Content tab
4. To the right of the Block Pop-Ups window, click on Exceptions button
5. Set www.hamiltonrelay.com and www.hamiltonnationalrelay.com then click on Allow
6. Click on the Close button

Windows Vista
Internet Explorer (IE) with the tool Bar is the same as the Windows XP Instructions above.

Internet Explorer (IE) without the tool bar:
1. On the right side of the screen there is an Icon that looks like a Gear, this is the Tools Icon, click on this icon
2. Select Internet Options
3. Go into the Privacy Tab
4. At the bottom you will see Pop-Up Blocker, Click on Settings
5. Add www.hamiltonrelay.com and www.hamiltonnationalrelay.com to your allowed sites list.
6. Once they are set to allowed please click on Close and Apply.

Mozilla:
1. Click on Tools
2. Select Options
3. In the Options window, select the Content tab
4. To the right of the Block Pop-Ups window, click on Exceptions button
5. Set www.hamiltonrelay.com and www.hamiltonnationalrelay.com then click on Allow
6. Click on the Close button


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18. On my Log In screen, the "Remember Me" option does not remember my password.
Your User ID will only be stored when "Remember Me" is selected. This is for your protection, so that other people do not log into and use your Hamilton Relay HomeTown Number Account without your knowledge.

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19. My login screen does not remember my User ID when I have "Remember Me" enabled.
On your Internet Browser, the "Private Data" under the "Empty the Temporary Internet folder when browser is closed" option may be selected. With this option selected, your User ID from your Hamilton Log In screen will be deleted. To keep your User ID available on the Hamilton Log In screen, do not select the "Empty the Temporary Internet folder when browser is closed" option.

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20. Am I allowed to keep my existing 10-digit number and port it to a different provider?
Click to see answer in ASL

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.

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21. Can I port my existing TTY number to Internet Relay?
Click to see answer in ASL

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.

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22. Can I keep my existing 10-digit number and use it with Hamilton Relay?
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.

Things to consider before transferring your 10-digit telephone number: Click to see answer in ASL
  • 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.

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23. How would my Service and Features from my existing 10-digit service be affected if I port my number?
If you transfer your local home or business telephone number to a VRS and/or IP Relay Service provider, you may lose features and functionality that rely on telephone connectivity, such as:

  • dial-up, broadband (e.g., DSL or FiOS), or VoIP internet connection

  • fax capability

  • voice mail capability

  • home/business alarm system monitoring

  • medical monitoring capability

  • credit card authorization systems

Home/Business number:
If you transfer your local home or business telephone number to a VRS and/or IP Relay Service provider, you will lose TTY access to your State Relay or TTY to TTY calling.

Wireless (pager) number:
If you transfer your wireless (pager) service number to a VRS and/or IP Relay Service provider, you may lose the use of your wireless pager completely, including any features normally accessed by the device such as: customized text relay applications, AOL Instant Messaging, e-mail access, web browsing capability.

VRS and IP Relay Service number:
If you transfer your VRS and IP Relay Service number to a local home or business telephone or wireless service provider you may lose access to: VRS or IP relay services features such as video or text mail.

If you transfer your VRS and/or IP Relay Service number from one VRS and/or IP Relay Service provider to another VRS and/or IP Relay Service provider, you may lose some or all provider-specific relay features.

If you transfer your VRS and/or IP Relay Service number from VRS to IP Relay service within the same VRS and/or IP Relay Service provider you may lose video service functions and capabilities.

If you transfer your VRS and/or IP Relay Service number from IP Relay service to VRS within the same VRS and/or IP Relay Service provider you may lose access to all text relay service functions and capabilities.

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24. What do I need to do before changing VRS and/or IP Relay Service providers?
1. Do not cancel service with your current provider until you have registered with your new provider.

2. You must contact your new provider who will begin the transfer process by contacting your existing provider on your behalf.

3. Your new provider will ask you to provide specific information such as:
    a. name
    b. street address
    c. city
    d. state
    e. zip code
    f. 10-digit telephone number
    g. other information as required by your new provider

4. Your new provider will require you to sign a "letter of authorization" in order to begin the transfer process.

5. If your current provider is not a VRS or IP Relay Service provider, you may be required to pay:
    a. Local telephone early termination fees
    b. Cable contract early termination fees
    c. Wireless service contract early termination fees
    d. Any outstanding balance due

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25. Where do I process my request to port my number to use with Hamilton Internet Relay?
You can simply click on the "HomeTown Number: Register Today!" icon at the top of this page to complete our registration form.

You will be asked if you wish to port a 10-digit number, select this option.

Provide us with the 10-digit number you want to port and current provider's name on the form.

After submitting your registration, you will receive a copy of Hamilton's Letter of Authorization for you to complete and send to our Customer Service department.

Contact Customer Service:
    V/TTY: 1-877-445-4563
    Fax: 1-402-694-5110 Fax
    E-mail: info@hamiltonrelay.com

    Write:
    Hamilton Internet Relay
    P.O. Box 285
    Aurora, NE 68818

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26. If I have relocated and haven't updated my registered location, what will happen?
Click to see answer in ASL

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!

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27. Is there information on the 10-digit numbering requirements from the FCC?
Yes, this can be found at the FCC site, here. An ASL Version from the FCC is also available at the FCC site, here.

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