“This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement”
On October 6, 2015, four FCC Bureaus (Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and Wireline Competition Bureau) granted AT&T a limited, temporary waiver from the FCC’s rules requiring support for TTY technology for IP-based wireless services, such as Wi-Fi calling. This waiver will allow for expedited development and deployment of alternative accessibility solutions for IP-based wireless networks, and will not impact current TTY capabilities on the older (legacy) telephone network.
The waiver is subject to the following specific conditions:
- AT&T must inform customers:
- That TTY technology will not be supported for calls to 911 services over IP-based wireless services, and
- About alternative text-based telephone solutions for consumers, including solutions to call 911.
- Every six months, AT&T must file a report with the Commission regarding AT&T’s progress toward the deployment of new IP-based wireless accessibility solutions, such as RTT.
This waiver expires December 31, 2017, or upon the effective date of rules requiring new IP-based wireless accessibility solutions, such as real-time text (RTT), whichever is earlier. Other carriers may apply for similar waivers, and, if granted, will be subject to the same conditions.
For more information, contact Suzy Rosen Singleton, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at 202-510-9446 or Suzanne.Singleton@fcc.gov.