CapTel News from Ultratec – Summer 2009

New Area Codes: How they Affect Your CapTel

As demand for telephone service continues to increase, some states are running out of available telephone numbers for their residents. Over the past two years, several states have introduced new telephone area codes to address the concern, with more planned in 2010. How do new area codes affect CapTel users?

CapTel users should follow the dialing guidelines that are set by the state whenever new area codes are added. In Connecticut, for example, new area codes mean that residents must dial the full 10-digit area code + phone number for every call, even when making "local" calls or calls within the same area code. CapTel users in Connecticut should do the same.

If you live in a region where your area code is affected, be sure to let CapTel Customer Service know about the change to your telephone service. Depending on the new area code, calls that you've made on a regular basis may suddenly need to be dialed differently. Notifying Customer Service helps ensure that any long distance charges will continue to be billed through your regular long distance provider.

Also, remember to check any speed dial numbers you've saved to make sure they match the dialing guidelines if new area codes have been added.

Did You See That?

The Signal Meter is a helpful visual cue that flickers to let you know when there are sounds on the line (such as the other person speaking), even if the sounds are not loud enough for you to hear. If the Signal Meter stops flickering during a call, it means the other person is "done" talking.

Now it's your turn. Sometimes the Signal Meter shows that the other person has finished speaking, but you are still receiving captions. Ask the caller to "hang on a moment" to give yourself a little extra time to read the captions before taking your turn to speak.


Summer Plans: Tips for CapTel Users

Summer is a great time to connect with family and friends, whether over the phone or in person. CapTel can be part of the fun - just follow these simple tips.

Traveling out of state?
If you're bringing your CapTel phone with you as you travel, please be aware that some states don't support CapTel service for residents of a different state. Before you leave, please call CapTel Customer Service to check that your CapTel phone will work wherever your adventures take you.

Leaving your CapTel phone behind?
You can still get captions during your phone calls even if your CapTel phone doesn't fit into your travel plans. By using WebCapTel® , you can still see captions during your calls. All you need is a working telephone (any telephone!) and a computer with an Internet connection. Learn more about WebCapTel services at: www.CapTel.com

Stormy weather on the horizon?
The summer months often bring stormy weather, lightning, and power outages. If you've experienced problems with your CapTel after a power surge or a nearby lightning strike, try resetting your phone. Simply disconnect the AC power adapter and the phone line for one minute, then reconnect everything. Check your menu settings after resetting your CapTel phone if you had programmed any special settings.

Protect your CapTel while you are home
If you live in an area that experiences frequent power surges or electrical storms, plug your CapTel AC adapter into a surge protector (available at most hardware or computer stores). This will help prevent CapTel power disruptions.

Customer Feedback

"We are so grateful for this phone! My wife lost her hearing in both ears in a period of four weeks after an illness in the hospital. We really appreciate this service so much!" - V. Ferrand, Indiana

"This is an amazing thing to use, it's beautiful. Thank you so much!" - M. Gentile, New Jersey

"I have to say that I would be lost without it as it makes me more independent than I was in making phone calls and conducting what business I need to do over the phone." - N. Young, Tennessee

"I have been successfully using my phone with great satisfaction... I appreciate and LOVE this phone so much!" - M. Fernandez, Utah

"The CapTel phone is so easy to use, so user-friendly. All phones should be this easy. It's wonderful." - B. Bettes, Texas

"I really do enjoy my CapTel phone... it is a wonderful experience for me. Now I'm able to make my own doctor's appointments and talk to people I had to remove from my calling list. Once more, thank you so very much." - S. Sigmon, North Carolina

"I have to say that I would be lost without it as it makes me more independent than I was in making phone calls and conducting what business I need to do over the phone." - N. Young, Tennessee

Changing Your Long Distance Service? Keep Customer Service informed to avoid unexpected charges

Keep Customer Service informed to avoid unexpected charges

If you've recently moved or switched to a new long distance telephone service, it is important to re-register your long distance company with CapTel Customer Service. Keeping CapTel Customer Service updated with your long distance carrier helps ensure that your long distance captioned calls will be billed under your existing calling plan. If you do not register with CapTel, you may get a long distance bill from a default provider - which is often significantly more expensive than the calling plan you've arranged.

Send us your email address to get the latest CapTel news electronically!
Sign up with CapTel Customer Service.

Download this issue as a PDF