Sprint Announces Internet Relay Service

July 2002

Editor: Those of you who have tried internet relay (also called IP relay) have probably liked it a lot. For those who aren't familiar with it, it's a system that allows a TTY-user to call the relay service from any internet-connected computer. Everyone I've talked to who's tried it has loved it.

Up to now, MCI provided the only national IP relay service (at www.ip-relay.com). Now Sprint is adding IP relay to their offerings. Here are portions of the press release.

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Sprint (NYSE: FON, PCS) has introduced new calling convenience for computer savvy deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals with the launch of Sprint Relay Online(SM), an Internet relay service www.sprintrelayonline.com . Sprint Relay Online users can easily customize and complete phone calls via computer links as an alternative to traditional teletext (TTY) devices.

A relay call can now be made from a computer at home or work; anywhere an Internet connection exists. And compared with a TTY device, that conversation can be customized for a more personalized communications experience.

Users simply dial their Internet service provider (ISP) to access http://www.sprintrelayonline.com Once there, operator instruction can be given on a call set-up page to ask for a specific person, to type slowly, or select service announcement options, among others. The web application connects the user with a relay agent who dials and facilitates the intended call. The dialog can be seen as a split computer screen image; one side for the caller text and the other for the operator relay of the called party's response. Call transcripts can be saved or printed.

Internet relay calls are highly interactive. Screen text size and color can be specified for both the caller and operator screens. Macro buttons -- GA (go ahead), SK (stop keying) and PLS HOLD -- are part of the application. As a further innovation, American Sign Language (ASL) emotion icons -- or e-moticons -- are available to direct the operator's tone of voice and inflection.

Currently, seven symbols for a range of feelings help to make live conversation as expressive and realistic as possible. Spanish and French Creole language options are available. Other features include connection status (connecting, disconnected, busy, ready) and male or female operator specification.

The service also accommodates the hard-of-hearing (HOH) that wish to speak for themselves, thanks to a capability called Two-line Voice Carry Over. The user connects with Sprint Relay Online via computer to call his/her standard phone. With three-way calling conference capability, the Internet relay user will then conference in the relay operator and the hearing party. The HOH user speaks directly to the called party while reading the typed responses online generated by the Internet relay operator.

Sprint Relay Online service is available 24 hours a day. Users need a computer, phone line connection, web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer v4.0 or Netscape Communicator v4.78, and Internet service. Relay calls over the Internet do not incur toll charges.