Privacy Issues with Relay Calls

I have had my TTY-Ultra Tec 1140-for 15 years now and have NEVER been spammed by Nigerian spammers. I use what is called "Bell Canada TeleMessager" service- all incoming calls are "taped". I access through the Relay Service-711-and duly advise them- ALL telemarketing calls are automatically deleted. Which they delete without keying anything. Always key back-smiling at not wasting their time.

Though I have a Cochlear Implant I still can't hear any voice on the telephone. Thus just continue using my TTY. I understand from Sunnybrook/Toronto about half of all implantees can't use their Implants on the phone.

Implanted (Sunnybrook) Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07
 
Only problem that state relay service via TTY, would show the ID call.
If it's online, they're required to be register to ID em
 
I was helping someone from another country, who did not know ASL. I called his insurance company through VRS. When I told them I was calling for him they refused to deal with me. I had to ask him to sit by me and give them permission to talk to me. The only thing was, they could not see him, only the interpreter could. I could have grabbed anybody and they would never know. I find that thought slightly unsettling.
 
drphil said:
I have had my TTY-Ultra Tec 1140-for 15 years now and have NEVER been spammed by Nigerian spammers. I use what is called "Bell Canada TeleMessager" service- all incoming calls are "taped". I access through the Relay Service-711-and duly advise them- ALL telemarketing calls are automatically deleted. Which they delete without keying anything. Always key back-smiling at not wasting their time.

Though I have a Cochlear Implant I still can't hear any voice on the telephone. Thus just continue using my TTY. I understand from Sunnybrook/Toronto about half of all implantees can't use their Implants on the phone.
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Yes, I know a few people with CI who can chat on their cell phones. I wonder if the model phone makes a difference? :dunno:

That's a nice anti-spam feature you have with your relay service. We could all benefit from that. :giggle:

Our home phone number is on the "do not call" list for telemarketers but somehow they still get through. I believe (in the US) that the exceptions are charities and political organizations, so that's a big chunk of calls that can still get through.
 
Steinhauer said:
...I would like my name and number to appear on a person's caller ID so they could verify it is actually me calling and NOT just a random relay call from anyone. I would think that this would cut down on confusion quite a bit....
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That seems like a good idea.
 
Reba: No it not the phone. I have 2 phones- a regular phone-Vista which "lights ups" at incoming unanswered "taped calls". Thus I know to access the Relay Service. I can hear the dial tone on it. As well as on my UltraTec 1140.

Just me-don't hear any person speaking on the telephone with my Implant. Hasn't changed in 3 1/2 years since implanted.

Implanted Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07
 
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Reba said:
That seems like a good idea.
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I am a member of the Georgia Public Service Commission's TEDP outreach program. The last meeting we had, we had discussed privacy issues such as this one.

I am brainstorming on how to tackle this one ;)

edit to add: The LAST thing I want is more restrictive communication. I am attempting to make Georgia Relay services more user friendly for all parties in relay communication.

other issues - I am not up to date on t-coil availabity for cell phones in regards to the FCA - most cell phones have too much electrical interference with HA telecoils and I don't know if the FCA has passed a law mandating that cell phones be HAC.

Hardly anyone uses landline phones anymore. Private businesses do though. With communication becoming more and more mobile, I have a feeling that telecommunication services will be "lagging" for the Deaf/HoH communities. There are some VRS services that are becoming mobile though. I haven't tested any of that equipment yet.

Another thing I would lke to research is Youtube's "Transcribe Audio" program. It is not very good, but it turns speech into text in almost "real-time". If a prgram like that could be used with telecommunications after all the bugs have been worked out, it could really benefit HoH who do not sign.

T
 
Thinking back 15 years-I was assisted by the Relay operators themselves. I asked them a "lot of stupid questions" and finally got used to the wonderful service the telephone company, Bell Canada, provided.

That is still my opinion -to this day.

Implanted Advanced Bionics-Harmony activated Aug/07
 
I know this thread is a little old, but thought I'd add a couple thoughts. (I'm talking about these features appearing in future devices, not something that can be used right now, as far as I know.)

If verifying identity is a problem, how about using one of the following:

1) A encryption key that only you or your device would have.
2) A unique device identifier, sort of like the MAC addresses each network card in a computer has.

If someone else uses the relay pretending to be you and their device does not send the right MAC address or encryption key, then they cannot use your relay account.

Do you think something like that would work?

It would make it difficult to use someone else's device.

Unless you could use other devices, you just could not be verified as "you" if you don't use an identified device.

But, if someone else gets a hold of your device, they could still pretend to be you.

Still it might help a little if they designed these features into devices? :dunno:
 
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