How to use Bell IP Relay and Bell Relay Service (BRS)
Bell IP Relay
Bell IP Relay uses the familiarity of online chat applications to make communication easier for people with hearing or speech disabilities.
Bell IP Relay users connect to specially trained operators through chat sessions in the Bell IP Relay portal. The operators place phone calls on their behalf and facilitate conversations. Operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more about registering for and using Bell IP Relay
Bell Relay Service
The Bell Relay service (BRS) supports communication by phone between hearing people and people who are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, or those with speech disabilities. Professionally trained operators act as intermediates to facilitate the call. Bell Relay operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There is no charge for using the BRS. However, there are toll charges for long distance calls placed using BRS. Note that for TTY users, there is an 82% rebate on calls within Canada.
Bell Relay Service vs. Bell IP Relay
The traditional Bell Relay service (BRS) allows people with a hearing or speech disability to communicate via teletypewriter (TTY).
Bell IP Relay uses a computer and Internet chat portal in place of the teletypewriter. You can use Bell IP Relay from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to a web-enabled computer.
Bell Relay service will continue to operate alongside Bell IP Relay. The services are independent and can be used simultaneously.
For more information
The Accessibility services centre provides online resources for Bell IP Relay, Bell Relay service (BRS) and other services for people with disabilities.
You can also contact an Accessibility services centre representative:
By email
accessible@bell.ca
By phone
1 866 310-BELL (2355)
and ask for the Accessibility services centre
By TTY/teletypewriter
Ontario: 1 800 268-9242
Québec: 1 800 361-6476
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET)
