Why is Hamilton CapTel provided at no cost?

For people with hearing loss, maintaining phone connections with family, friends, and essential services is a fundamental right – not a luxury.
Yet we’ve all learned to question when something is offered for “free.”

The truth is simple: Hamilton® CapTel® services are provided free of charge under Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which guarantees equal access to telecommunications for people with hearing loss. This brief explains exactly how the funding works, who pays for it, and why you can trust that this federally mandated service is legitimate.

Inside, you’ll discover how the federally administered Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) fund compensates providers like Hamilton CapTel, what protections are in place for your privacy and security, and how easy it is to get started with the captioned telephone solution that works best for your needs.

Whether you’re a hearing healthcare professional advising patients, a senior care administrator exploring options for residents, or a person with hearing loss seeking clarity, this resource provides the transparent answers you need to move forward with confidence.

Download The Brief

FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. Automatic speech recognition software generates captions of what the other party to the call says, and, in certain circumstances, a live communications assistant may be included on the call to make needed corrections and/or add call details. The captions are then sent to the phone. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. To learn more, visit fcc.gov. Third-party charges may apply: the Hamilton CapTel phone requires high-speed internet access (Wi-Fi capable) and in some cases, may require telephone service. When using Hamilton CapTel on a smartphone or tablet and not on Wi-Fi, a data plan is required. Hamilton CapTel may be used to make 911 calls but may not function the same as traditional 911 services. For more information about the benefits and limitations of Hamilton CapTel and Emergency 911 calling, visit HamiltonCapTel.com/911. Courtesy of Cisco Systems, Inc. Unauthorized use not permitted. “Noah” is a registered trademark of HIMSA II K/S in the USA. Outside the USA, “Noah” is a trademark of HIMSA II K/S. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. Copyright ©2026 Hamilton Relay. Hamilton is a registered trademark of Nedelco, Inc. d/b/a/ Hamilton Telecommunications.