Accessibility services - Voice Carry Over

If you can speak clearly, but must use a TTY to see what the other person is saying, you may request Voice Carry Over (VCO). VCO lets you speak for yourself, while a Bell Relay service operator types what the person says to you.

  • Placing a call to the Bell Relay service on your Voice Carry Over phone

    1. Dial 711 and watch the ringing indicator light.
    2. When the Bell Relay service answers, you will see "Bell Canada Relay service, This is [operator's name & number] followed by GA for 'Go Ahead"
    3. Press your phrase key for VCO ON PLEASE GA.
    4. The Bell Relay operator will type back to you VCO IS ON GA. Now they are ready to hear you speak.
    5. Tell the Bell Relay operator the name and number of the person you are calling and then say GO AHEAD.
    6. After the Bell Relay operator hears your Go Ahead, the operator will type back to you THANK YOU PLEASE HOLD.
    7. The Voice Carry Over remains off until the Bell Relay operator connects you to the person you are calling.
    8. The Bell Relay operator will update you on the status of the call (ringing, busy, and who has answered) by typing to you.
    9. When the Bell Relay operator has the person you have called on the line, the operator will type (NAME) IS ON THE LINE, VCO IS ON GA.
    10. When you see the GA, it is your turn to speak. Remember to say GO AHEAD when you are done.

    NOTE: Since a Voice Carry Over phone cannot be used to receive text and to speak at the same time, the correct use of GO AHEAD is necessary for smooth conversations.

  • Receiving a call on your Voice Carry Over phone from the Bell Relay service

    1. The Bell Canada Relay service will be identified as "Bell Canada Relay service" on your call display.
    2. Answer the call and immediately send out your phrase VCO ON PLEASE.
    3. This will alert the Relay agent that you are ready to speak. He or she will type "This is the Bell Canada Relay service. I have a call for (name if he or she has been given a name). VCO is ON GA."
    4. Respond to the Bell Relay service operator by speaking and say GO AHEAD when you are done.
    5. The Bell Relay service operator will type what the caller is saying and you will see GA when it is your turn to speak.

    NOTE: Since a Voice Carry Over phone cannot be used to receive text and to speak at the same time, the correct use of GO AHEAD is necessary for smooth conversations.