Home Phone Services

Atlantic Relay Service

Bell Aliant Relay Service was introduced to ensure equal access to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) for all people in Atlantic Canada. The service allows TTY users to communicate over the PSTN with phone users, and vice versa. The two calling parties are linked via a specially trained Relay Service Communicator. The communicator can receive calls from the hearing, from the people using TTY's , or from callers using an ordinary PC with an ASCII modem..

Once a call has been received and the call type determined (TTY/ASCII/VOICE), the communicator finds out who the caller wishes to call and initiates calling the second party. When the second party answers, the communicator introduces himself/herself, informs the person that there is a caller wishing to speak with them, and the relay process begins. When the hearing person speaks during the session, the communicator types the message on a computer terminal. This message then appears on the TDD or the PC monitor. When the callers respond by typing on the TTY or a PC keyboard, the communicator relays the message verbally to the hearing person.

Communicators are fully bilingual, and all communicators have had training in American and Quebec Sign Language structure and deaf culture. Access to the Relay Service is free throughout Atlantic Canada, and users are eligible for a 50% discount on long distance charges within Canada.

How to Use Message Relay Service:

Dial Toll Free from a telephone or TTY/TDD device: 1-800-565-1212. Relay Operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Provide the operator with the number you are calling from as well as the number of the person you want to call. Once connected the operator will relay your conversation.