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TTY (Text Telephone)

TTY is a common way to connect to Georgia Relay – allowing a person who is deaf or hard of hearing to type their messages and read the other person’s responses. A TTY has a typewriter-style keyboard with letters and numbers, a text screen and a printer.

Diagram on how a TTY Works

How TTY Works

After dialing 7-1-1, the TTY user gives the Georgia Relay’s easy-to-remember number, the TTY user gives the Georgia Relay Communication Assistant (CA) the phone number of the person or business being called. As the call progresses, the CA voices the TTY user’s text and types the words of the standard phone user to the TTY user, relaying the conversation back and forth.

TTY for VCO

This feature allows a Georgia Relay VCO (Voice Carry-Over) user with two telephone lines to use one line for speaking directly to the person being called, and the other line for receiving the text of that person’s side of the conversation. 

Learn more about VCO calling >

Making a TTY call

(A Georgia Relay Customer Profile is highly recommended for TTY users and will streamline the following steps.)

  1. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-255-0056 to reach Georgia Relay.
  2. Georgia Relay will send the following automated message to your TTY: “GTRS CA #XXXX (M/F) NBR PLS Q GA.” The (M/F) identifies the CA as either male or female.
  3. Type the area code and telephone number of the person you are calling, along with any special calling instructions or information. Then type, “GA” (Go Ahead).
  4. The CA will relay your conversation word for word unless you instruct him or her to use ASL (American Sign Language) translation. Note: All typed messages in parentheses ( ) indicate that the CA is communicating with you directly, for instance, relaying a sound that was heard or letting you know the other person has hung up.
  5. Remember to say “Go Ahead” (“GA” on your TTY screen), each time you finish your part of the conversation so the other person can respond to you. When you are ready to end your call, type “SK” (Stop Keying). If you want to make another Relay call after your conversation is finished, stay on the line and the CA will assist you.
  6. All typed messages in parentheses ( ) indicate that the CA is communicating with you directly, for instance, relaying a sound that was heard or letting you know the other person has hung up.
  7. Continue with your call. When you are ready to end your call, type “SK” (Stop Keying). If you want to make another Relay call after your conversation is finished, stay on the line and the CA will assist you.