Is the Internet Required to Use a Captioned Telephone?

Learn about CapTel caption call telephones that work with and without an internet connection.

When considering a CapTel caption call telephone, many customers ask whether an internet connection is required. You may be surprised to learn that most, but not all, models are also Wi-Fi compatible. Whether you’re searching for a captioned phone for yourself or a loved one, we’ll cover the models that do – and don’t – rely on the internet in this article.

Here is a quick guide to Wi-Fi compatible models:

Learn more about the features of these CapTel caption call telephones below.

CapTel caption call telephones that use an internet connection
Most CapTel caption call telephone models require a high-speed internet connection to use the captioning services. A simple way to tell is to look for the lower case “i” in the model number that stands for “internet”; those are also Wi-Fi compatible. Following is a bit more about these internet-based models:

Captel 840i	CapTel 2400i	CapTel 880i
CapTel 840i features: Turn the captions on or off as you need Connect with your callers when they dial your number directly Record messages while you are away with the built-in answering machine Use the built-in phone book to store frequently called numbers (95+ names) Take advantage of the warranty with a 5-year replacement program Includes 90-day money-back guarantee	CapTel 2400i features: Turn the captions on or off as you need Record messages while you are away with the built-in answering machine View the captions on an extra-large, touch screen display Adjust the font color and size, including an extra-large font option for easy viewing Use the built-in phone book to store frequently called numbers (95+ names) Dial-by-Picture capability	CapTel 880i features: Turn the captions on or off as you need Record messages while you are away with the built-in answering machine View the captions on an extra-large display screen Adjust the font color and size, including an extra-large font option for easy viewing Use the built-in phone book to store frequently called numbers (95+ names)

No high-speed internet? You can still use a CapTel captioned telephone. Learn more about the model that does not require an internet or Wi-Fi connection below.

CapTel caption call telephones that do not use an internet connection
If you do not have high-speed internet, look for the analog model, CapTel 840. Without the “i” at the end, it’s easy to distinguish it from those that require an internet connection. Unlike the Wi-Fi compatible models mentioned above, the CapTel 840 does not need the internet. Just connect it to an analog port to gain access to the captioning service.

Learn more about the features of this analog model and how it can help you stay connected to friends and family below.

CapTel 840

CapTel 840 features: Calls you make automatically connect to the Captioning Service that provides the captions Incoming callers dial the service first, then enter your phone number (in 2-Line Mode, callers can dial your phone number directly) Record messages while you are away with the built-in answering machine Adjust the font sizes and colors Use the built-in phone book to store frequently called numbers (95+ names) Works just like a standard phone for people who do not need captions.

Whether your home is equipped with a high-speed internet connection or not, there is a CapTel caption call telephone that will work for you. No matter which model you choose, a CapTel caption call telephone can help you stay connected with your loved ones and feel confident that you’re catching every word over the phone.

To learn more about whether a phone for hearing loss is right for you, check out our quick Q&A. You can also begin exploring the four types of hearing loss telephones with captions, as well as the features to look for to personalize your phone to your preferences.