The carrier makes another step towards helping deaf and hard-of-hearing communities

Oct 4, 2011 18:31 GMT  ·  By

Mobile phone carrier Sprint has just announced that it has put in place the Sprint Mobile IP Relay service, aimed at offering new means of communication to all users in the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, as well as to those with speech disabilities.

Sprint Mobile IP Relay is the latest addition to the company's Relay’s IP portfolio, and comes as a free application available for download on Android handsets.

With it, users will be able to make and receive relay-facilitated mobile calls on devices that are based on Google's Android 2.1 or newer platform releases, the wireless carrier explains.

Some of the main features of the new Sprint Mobile IP Relay service would include:

- Save conversations during or after they are completed - Provide Spanish language relay calls - Adjust font size/colors and background colors - Access phone’s contact list, call history, and live Sprint Relay Customer Service representatives - Make 911 emergency calls - Available on Sprint 3G, Sprint 4G and WiFi networks.

In order to access and use the Sprint Mobile IP application on the various Android devices on the wireless carrier's network, users will need a unique 10-digit number. They should head over to the carrier's website here to register for the service.

The new offering follows after the release of a Sprint Relay ID for the carrier's customers, with applications, links, tips, icons, widgets and wallpapers available for compatible Sprint Android handsets.

Sprint Relay ID was the very first package that a wireless carrier deployed on handsets to meet the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

“This is another offer from Sprint Relay that breaks down communications barriers for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities,” said Mike Ellis, director-Sprint Relay Services.

“With Mobile IP Relay, users can have unlimited access to relay services wherever their wireless device coverage is available.”