American Network Inc has been approved by the FCC to provide TRS services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Its first service offering is PhoneCaption.com.
PhoneCaption’s service uses patent-pending technology, allowing users to view captions while talking on the phone. As the caller speaks, the user receives the speech in text captions to read via the Web or on an IP phone screen display.
Phone Caption is designed for people who are hard of hearing, late deaf, or accidental deaf, to make calls and to receive the caller’s voice in text over the Internet or via IP phone. The text displays real-time captions of the current conversation, similar to the method used for TV programs. The captions are typically displayed on a screen embedded into the telephone base, if the user has IP phone such as a Cisco 7960; otherwise, captions are provided over the web.
Service is free for those who are medically recognized as deaf or hard of hearing. It is being funded by the FCC and available for Americans in the United States.
The telecommunication relay service market is undergoing profound changes in its technology infrastructure, as the need to communicate through a variety of deaf-user interaction channels becomes more prevalent. As a result, TRS operators and telecom service providers must find more efficient means to provide equal access for deaf users in an increasingly complex global business environment.
PhoneCaption interoperates with diverse core systems through Web services/XML that seamlessly deliver captioning text to deaf users. American Network solutions provide integration of telecom and Internet through instant messaging, relay services, and delivery of text to IP phones.
Free captioning is available from 8 am to 10 pm EST daily. PhoneCaption plans to extend the service to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To register for the free service and receive your assigned 10-digit telephone number, create an account on PhoneCaption.com.
American Network Inc offerings include Internet services and CLEC services. With the approval from FCC, it has transformed into a relay service provider.
