The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today noted that AT&T, the state's approved Telecommunication Relay Provider, is now offering Captioned Telephone (CapTel) Service for hard of hearing individuals in Michigan. CapTel service is available to all telephone customers in Michigan.

For a limited time, the CapTel telephone needed for this service is available for a reduced price of $99 (normally $495).

CapTel makes using the telephone as easy as using a standard telephone. It allows the user to listen to and read word-for-word captions of their conversation. It is especially useful for individuals who have good speech but do not hear well over the phone.

"The CapTel service is vital to individuals who have difficultly hearing what the other party says," noted MPSC Chairman J. Peter Lark. "My fellow Commissioners and I are pleased that the CapTel phone is now available to Michigan customers."

Those Michigan residents interested in the CapTel service or products can call toll-free 1-800-233-9130 (V/TYY) or visit the Web site: http://www.weitbrecht.com/statecaptel/MI.phtml.

The MPSC last year approved an application by the Michigan Relay Center Advisory Board to allow SBC Michigan, now known as AT&T Michigan, to offer enhanced access to switched telecommunications networks through the use of CapTel for the hearing impaired. The cost to ratepayers for providing this service is $0.01 per wireline per month. The MPSC reviews the costs and is authorized to review future cost recovery requests under the Michigan Telecommunications Act.