911 Information
Hamilton CapTel Phone
If you choose to use your Hamilton CapTel Phone to place a 911 call, you may or may not receive captions as your Internet connection must be working to receive captions. When you dial 911 using Hamilton CapTel Phone, you will be connected to an appropriate Public Service Answering Point (PSAP).
Hamilton CapTel Phone FAQs
- If I call 911 using the CapTel Phone, will I still receive captions?
- Yes. Please be sure that Captions are activated, and your Internet connection is active.
- Will 911 emergency call centers be able to identify my location if I dial 911?
- Yes. The 911 centers have the ability to identify your location based on your specific incoming phone number.
Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone and Tablet
We strongly recommend you to use your telephone or mobile phone to call 911 directly. If you choose to use Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet to place a 911 call, there are limitations and possible delays. Upon dialing 911 via Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet, your emergency call will be put ahead of other callers using Hamilton CapTel, then you will be routed to a third party, NOT a Public Service Answering Point (PSAP). The third party agency will inquire for the following location information where the emergency is at:
- Address
- City
- State
- Zip
When all necessary information has been collected, the third party will search for an appropriate PSAP and you will then be transferred to a PSAP which corresponds to your location. The PSAP dispatch will NOT be able to see your phone number and location information. They may inquire for your call-back number to re-connect with you should your connection be lost.
Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone and Tablet 911 FAQs:
- 1. Can I call 911 with Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet?
- Internet-based telecommunications services are limited services and are not designed for making emergency 911 calls. Therefore, it is highly recommended that in an emergency you use your land-line or mobile telephone service to call 911 or your local emergency service number directly.
If you choose to use Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet to place an emergency 911 call, you will need to provide important information immediately, including your location (street address, town, and state) as well as the nature of the emergency.
The Hamilton CapTel call center is not an emergency call center and does not assume responsibility for the call. - 2. Why can't Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet handle 911 calls like the standard telephone?
- Internet-based communications do not allow Hamilton to recognize your location. The Internet does not function in the same way that standard telephone service functions.
With the standard telephone network, 911 centers have the ability to identify the location of a specific incoming phone number, whereas the Internet cannot identify specific locations. - 3. What happens if I enter 911 in the "Number To Dial" box and click "Place Call"? Will the call go through?
- Again, you are strongly encouraged to use your telephone or mobile device and dial 911 directly.
Should you choose to use Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet to place an emergency call to 911, your call will be processed. Entering "911" in the "Number to Dial" box will generate special call processing, your emergency call will be put ahead of other callers using Hamilton CapTel. It will become apparent on your screen that you are placing a 911 call. You will then be required to provide important information including your specific location as well as the nature of your emergency.
Please be advised that calling 911 through Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet will take longer to connect to emergency personnel than will a call to 911 placed from a standard telephone line or mobile device. - 4. Will it be better if I use the 10-digit emergency number instead of 911 using Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet so that the call can go through quickly?
- Whether you are using the 10-digit emergency number or 911 number, it is still strongly recommended that you use your telephone or mobile device and call 911 directly.
- 5. Will my location be automatically identified if I dial 911 through Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet?
- No. The Internet does not allow Hamilton to recognize your location. It is encouraged that you use your standard telephone or mobile device and dial 911 direct. When dialing 911 direct over your standard telephone line or mobile device your location information is automatically sent to the 911 center.
