Actually, 711 and
Telecommunications Relay Services are far from
obsolete, in fact it was only on
October 1, 2001 that 711 service became
mandatory for all state
relays. A
free service, 711 replaces the dozens of
toll-free numbers relay service users used to have to dial to connect. The
FCC's rule establishing mandatory 711 also suggests that
PBX suppliers also configure their systems to accept the code. Obviously, TRS programs are not being
phased out, but rather continue to be
federally mandated. While fax, e-mail, and other written
telephone-based communications have become very popular among the
deaf, most still use relay services on a daily basis. For example, it is still faster and more reliable to call the
relay and order a pizza than to try online food ordering services. Also, because of
discrimination in
employment, many deaf individuals make up to 40% less than their hearing counterparts and are more likely to be able to afford a
TTY before a
computer. Despite the availability of 711, it is still vitally important that
TTY users continue to dial
911 for
emergency services. Operators there are trained to recognize TTY signals, and some locations may have equipment to automate that recognition process.
Sources: http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/News_Releases/2001/nrcc0138.html and personal knowledge