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Sprint Launches Local, 10-Digit Numbers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Users

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^{Published in Science and Technology on Monday, December 29th 2008 at 12:21 GMT, Last Modified on 2008-12-29 12:21:40 by Market Wire}  

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Sprint (NYSE:S) announced the availability of local, 10-digit phone numbers for internet-based Relay (IP), Instant Messaging Relay (IM), Video Relay Service (VRS) and Federal VRS customers. Sprint Relay's ‘Call Now' service allows IP and VRS users to be assigned a local 10-digit phone number to receive calls directly and make 911 calls based on their geographic location. Callers will no longer be required to dial a toll-free number to reach Sprint Relay users. VRS numbers are available now and IP numbers will be available on Dec. 31, 2008. Federal VRS and Federal Relay Online also will have ‘Call Now' numbers prior to March 31, 2009.

With ‘Call Now,' Sprint Relay users can be contacted directly by their family, friends and colleagues by dialing their personal 10-digit phone number and will automatically connect with a Relay operator or VRS interpreter. In addition, customers can set up their account profile including their physical address with city, state and zip code. The account profile will be ready for VRS or IP relay users to make 911 emergency calls.

Beginning Dec. 31, 2008, users will be required to register their physical location information and submit a request for a ‘Call Now' number through Sprint Relay before the 10-digit number is assigned. Sprint Relay customers can register their personal 10-digit number for Sprint Relay VRS or Sprint IP and IM Call Now Number at [ www.sprintrelay.com ].

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving nearly 51 million customers at the end of the third quarter 2008; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit [ www.sprint.com ].