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What is the difference between IP CTS and IP Relay?
What is the difference between IP CTS and IP Relay?

IP CTS and IP Relay are two similar yet different services

Updated over a week ago

The short answer: IP CTS vs IP Relay

IP CTS is for individuals with hearing loss who can speak

IP Relay is for individuals with hearing loss or speech disabilities who do not generally speak

IP CTS (Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service)

  • Purpose: Helps individuals with hearing loss who can still speak but have difficulty understanding speech on a phone call.

  • User Experience: Feels like a regular phone call with the added benefit of live captions.

IP Relay (Internet Protocol Relay Service)

  • Purpose: Helps individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities communicate via text with standard phone users.

  • User Experience: For the Nagish user, IP Relay feels similar to texting but the person on the other side of the call will be using a regular phone.

Which One to Use?

  • If you can speak but have a difficulty hearing on calls β†’ IP CTS (for captioned phone calls).

  • If you prefer to type instead of speaking β†’ IP Relay (for text-based communication with voice users).

Can I be eligible for both services?

  • Yes. There are many reasons why a user would need both services. For instance, certain people may be able to understand our speech clearly while others may not - in those cases, it makes sense to use your speech when the other side can understand you, or type otherwise.

Is both IP Relay and IP CTS certified by the FCC?

  • Yes. Nagish is certified by the FCC to provide both IP Relay and IP CTS services to eligible individuals

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