Real-Time Text (RTT) will soon be available in Europe thanks to regulatory changes that are ensuring its rollout in the near future. It is a game-changer for accessible telecommunication, allowing text to be transmitted instantly as it is typed, character by character. By introducing RTT as an option on mobile devices, it enables seamless text communication for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing, making telecommunication more accessible and inclusive.
Important Regulatory Deadlines:
- By June 28, 2025: Providers of electronic communication services must ensure that their services support RTT, enabling real-time text communication alongside voice.
- By June 28, 2027: Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) must be capable of handling emergency communications that utilize RTT, ensuring that emergency services can effectively receive and respond to real-time text messages.
Be ready to activate RTT on your phone when it is available
Once RTT becomes available on your mobile, activating it is a very straightforward process:
- For Android Users:
- Open the Phone
- Tap the More icon (three vertical dots) and select Settings.
- Navigate to Accessibility and find the RTT
- Toggle RTT to On.
- You can also adjust settings such as RTT visibility and TTY mode as needed.
- For iPhone Users:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Accessibility, then select RTT/TTY.
- Toggle to Software RTT/TTY.
- Enter the Relay Number if necessary.
- You can also choose to enable Send Immediately to transmit each character as you type.
By enabling RTT, you enhance your device’s accessibility features, ensuring more effective and immediate communication. This is particularly crucial in emergency situations, where every second counts. Using RTT not only simplifies communication but also contributes to a more inclusive society.
We will keep you updated with the latest news and updates about RTT in Europe in the near future.
Until RTT is available for you, here is a visual guide on how to use it—so you’re ready when it arrives!
