Hamilton has been connecting people for 125 years.
What began in 1901 as a small telephone cooperative serving rural Nebraska has grown into a company dedicated to making communication more accessible for people across the country. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we’re also approaching another meaningful milestone: nearly 500 million captioned telephone conversations through Hamilton CapTel.
While the number itself is remarkable, the real story is found in the conversations behind it. Every call represents a connection between family members, friends, healthcare providers, coworkers and loved ones. For people with hearing loss, access to those conversations can make a meaningful difference in everyday life.
Since launching Telecommunications Relay Service in 1991 and introducing Captioned Telephone Service in 2003, Hamilton has remained committed to making telephone conversations more accessible for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind or have difficulty speaking. These services have expanded communication options, strengthened connections and provided greater independence through millions of conversations over the years.
“Hamilton is and has always been about connecting people, and captioning 500 million telephone conversations is a very meaningful part of that story,” said John Nelson, CEO of Hamilton. “It reflects the trust people across the country have placed in Hamilton for more than a century. But it’s also a testament to the dedicated employees and partners who continue to serve changing communication needs across generations.”
“Reaching 500 million captioned telephone conversations is an important moment for Hamilton CapTel,” said Dixie Ziegler, Vice President of Hamilton Relay. “But the real significance lies beyond the number. It’s found in the individual conversations that, in a real way, change people’s lives on a daily basis. Our focus remains on helping people with hearing loss take part in the calls that matter to them.”
As we look toward this milestone, we are grateful for the customers, employees and communities that have been part of our journey. While technology continues to evolve, our purpose remains the same today as it was 125 years ago — connecting people to the conversations, relationships and information that enrich their lives every day.
