National Association of the Deaf

Submitted by Debra.Patkin on Wed, 03/10/2010 - 13:28

Since November 2009, all VRS and IP Relay users have local 10-digit numbers. The NAD believes that local 10-digit numbers for VRS and IP Relay users are superior to personal toll free numbers (800 or 866 numbers). However, many VRS and IP Relay users still have two numbers – a local 10-digit number and a toll free number. This was not the goal of the local 10-digit numbering plan. The NAD encourages VRS and IP Relay users to use their local 10-digit numbers and stop using personal toll free numbers.

Why local 10-digit numbers are superior to toll free numbers:

• Toll free numbers are a “leftover” from the old proxy (fake) number system.
• Most telephone users think toll free numbers on their caller ID are businesses or telemarketers.
• Some telephone users think toll free numbers belong to imposters or fraudsters.
• Businesses are more confident when their caller ID shows a local 10-digit number.
• Many forms, including order forms and employment applications, require local 10-digit numbers.  Many forms reject toll free numbers.
• VRS and IP Relay users own their local 10-digit numbers; they can keep their local 10-digit number when they get a new videophone or change to a new VRS or IP Relay provider.
• VRS and IP Relay users do not own their toll free numbers; their VRS or IP Relay providers own the toll free numbers.  VRS and IP Relay users may not be able to keep their toll free number when they get a new videophone or change to a new VRS or IP Relay provider.
• Having two numbers (a local 10-digit number and a toll free number) when only one number (a local 10-digit number) is needed is a waste of VRS and IP Relay resources and money.  These resources and money can be better used to improve VRS and IP Relay services, technology, and equipment.

Use your local 10-digit number and stop using toll free numbers:

1. Tell people you have a local 10-digit number.  Ask people to call you with your local 10-digit number.
2. Tell your VRS or IP Relay provider to display your local 10-digit number on all caller ID systems.  (Sorenson customers can change the way the caller ID number is displayed.  To display the local 10-digit number, go to Settings > Personal > User and select “Local.”)
3. Ask your VRS or IP Relay provider to inform callers that your new number is your local 10-digit number.  This announcement can be automated and provided for a short time, such as for 30 days.
4. Tell your VRS or IP Relay provider to take your toll free number out of all number databases and directories.