Ed’s Telecom Alert

All..

Texas Public Utility Commission along with Sprint Relay is proud to announce a still another FIRST in Relay Texas.    

Before I tell you what it is, here is the rationale.  I’ve received feedback from persons with speech disabilities that it often is difficult to make a 7-1-1 call.  The issue is that sometimes relay agent does not understand what he/she wants which is just to transfer the relay call to Speech-to-Speech (STS) service or relay agent simply hang up thinking it is a prank call or STS user wait forever to finally get transferred and connected to STS service.  

In checking with Father of STS, Dr Bob Segelman, he suggested why not add an option to the 7-1-1 where a person with speech disability simply have to hit one number and be routed directly to the STS center.    Well, I checked with Sprint Relay and they said can be done.    A few weeks ago Sprint Relay with TPUC’s blessing went ahead and changed 7-1-1 to add the STS option.  

For those of you who can’t hear, the new 7-1-1 message goes like this:

 "You have reached Relay Texas

Press 1 to place a relay call

Press 2 for a speech to speech relay call"

Approx after 10 seconds or so of no action, TTY message from relay agent automatically pick up.

I wanted to mention that TPUC fully appreciates Sprint Relay for not charging for this wonderful service. 

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B
RT Admin

Texans who live in or near Corpus Christi, Texas,

On April 14th, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Sprint Relay and Texas PUC will have a Town Hall meeting in Corpus Christi.  THM will be held at

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center
5151 McArdle
Corpus Christi, TX  78411

You will meet Robert "RG" Giuntoli from Sprint Relay and Ed Bosson, Relay TX Administrator with TX Public Utility Commission.   The purpose of this is just to share with you what’s happening with Relay Service on state and federal level.  We especially want to hear your feedback about anything you wish to talk about. Compliments or gripes, all remarks are encouraged.

Free PIZZA and beverages will be served.  

We’ve had several town hall meetings; we try for 5 town hall meetings per year.  Spread the word and let us have some fun and learn a few things from each other!

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed B
RT Admin