Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some frequently posed questions about Georgia Relay and the features we offer.

Who administers Georgia Relay? How was Georgia Relay's service provider chosen?

The Georgia Public Service Commission is responsible for the establishment, implementation, administration and promotion of Georgia Relay. At present, Hamilton Relay is Georgia Relay’s service provider. The provider was selected through a competitive bidding process and is under contract to the Commission.

Why does Georgia Relay recommend completing a Relay Customer Profile? What if there is more than one Relay user in my household or workplace? Do we submit separate profiles for each person?

A Georgia Relay Customer Profile is not only convenient but also a valuable timesaver. With this feature, Georgia Relay users can establish a personal profile that will let the Communication Assistant (CA) automatically know their communication preference, whether TTY, VCO, HCO, STS, Voice, Spanish or more. All information you provide is kept confidential, and a password is required to access and/or edit your profile.

For multiple users calling from the same business or home location, Georgia Relay offers a Multi-User Relay Customer Profile. You can set up your profile online, or call Georgia Relay Customer Service at 866-694-5824 (Voice/TTY) to get started.

Can I designate a specific carrier for my long-distance Relay calls?

Absolutely! The best way to designate—and update, if necessary—your preferred long-distance carrier is by completing a Georgia Relay Customer Profile. 

Deaf woman using smartphone
Does Georgia Relay cost money to use?

There is no charge to use Georgia Relay within the local calling area, and there are no setup fees, even for calls made from public and TTY (text telephone) pay phones. Since there is no limit on the number or length of calls a Georgia Relay user may make, feel free to talk as little or as long as you wish.

24 hours Everyday
When can I make and receive Georgia Relay calls?

Anytime! Georgia Relay is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays.

Will my conversations be kept confidential?

You can always depend on the security and confidentiality of your Georgia Relay calls. By law, our CAs are required to maintain absolute confidentiality about all conversations.

Flower girl taking an order on phone
What is Georgia Relay Partner?

A free, educational program for Georgia businesses, Georgia Relay Partner teaches business owners and their employees how to make and receive Relay calls, thereby reducing or eliminating the hang-ups Relay users sometimes experience when conducting business by phone. Any Georgia-based business, large or small, is eligible. After joining, businesses can download free educational and promotional materials, including employee and employer guides, Relay Partner logos and decals and more. All Relay Partners and their contact information are posted on www.GeorgiaRelay.org and heavily promoted to Relay users. Learn more about Georgia Relay Partner.

Can I request a Relay Partner presentation for my business or organization?

Absolutely! Georgia Relay representatives are always available to visit your business and make a free presentation on the benefits of taking and placing Relay calls. To schedule a presentation, call 866-694-5824 or sign up for Georgia Relay Partner.

Woman using a CapTel Phone
Is CapTel® available in Georgia?

Yes! Developed by Ultratec and available through Georgia Relay, CapTel works like any other phone—with one important difference. Using the latest in voice recognition software, CapTel displays every word the caller says. So you can listen to what’s being said—and read the captioned conversation on a bright display screen. CapTel captioning service is available at no cost to users. Learn more about CapTel.

What about Two-Line CapTel?

With Two-Line CapTel, callers can dial you directly, rather than dialing the captioning service first. As a Two-Line CapTel user, you can also access special features available through your telephone provider, such as call waiting and voice mail.

To use Two-Line CapTel, you need:

  • A CapTel analog-based phone
  • Two separate phone lines, each with its own number. The jacks for both lines need to be side-by-side or close together.

Call 866-694-5824 (Voice/TTY) or e-mail garelay@hamiltonrelay.com to learn more.

What about features for Spanish speakers?

Spanish-speaking Georgia Relay users can take advantage of Spanish-to-Spanish Relay by dialing 7-1-1 or 888-202-3972. Bilingual Communication Assistants are available to process Spanish-to-Spanish Relay calls. All Relay connection options are available in Spanish, including TTY, VCO, HCO, ASCII, STS and 900 calls. Relay calls can be translated between Spanish and English if you and the person you are calling are both within the state. Get additional information about services in Spanish now.

Can Georgia Relay help me get assistive phone equipment?

Yes. Our affiliate, the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP), provides free telecommunications equipment to qualified applicants. Learn how to apply for free equipment.

I received my TTY through the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP), and it doesn't seem to be working properly. What should I do?

Bring your equipment to the Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing office nearest you. If your equipment is still under warranty, the Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will repair it free of charge. If not, they will ship your equipment to the appropriate supplier, and you will be responsible for all repair costs. For more information, visit http://www.gcdhh.org/ or call 888-297-9461 (Voice/TTY) and ask for the phone number and location of the Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing office nearest you.

Father and Son with Hearing Aid
I have a young child who is deaf. Does the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP) offer Relay equipment for children?

Certain types of Relay equipment are designed specifically for children who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking. However, applicants must be at least five years of age to receive equipment from the GATEDP. For more information about the kinds of equipment available for your child, contact the Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing office nearest you or call 800-541-0710 (Voice/TTY). Find a Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing office now.