Accessible Emergency Calls with RTT

The nWise RTT Bridge transforms emergency communication by enabling calls from the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities to connect to Emergency Services and being handled just like voice calls. This groundbreaking technology is to be a part of the Next Generation Core Services (NGCS), specifically designed to integrate Real-Time Text (RTT) into Emergency Services networks. By incorporating RTT, emergency responders can receive RTT, allowing for quicker and more effective assistance.

Regulatory bodies in both the United States and the European Union have approved changes to enforce the accessibility of emergency services for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing. These changes ensure that everyone has equal access to critical emergency assistance. The nWise RTT Bridge is at the forefront of enhancing accessibility, enhancing the way Emergency Services operate and providing a vital lifeline to those in need.

The nWise RTT Bridge complies with the accessibility requirements described in the European Electronic Communication Code (EECC 2018/1972) and European Accessibility Act (EAA 2019/882) and their delegated regulation. Our technology also meets the stringent requirements set forth by ETSI EMTEL-00054 and NENA i3. This SIP-based solution connects multiple parties within a single RTT call, facilitating efficient implementation of RTT into the core network. Its modular nature ensures a smooth integration into existing Emergency Services infrastructure and minimizes operational disruptions and costs.

nWise RTT Bridge

nWise RTT Bridge is a modular solution that enables Next Generation Emergency Services to handle calls using RTT on existing conference bridges. These are the main features of nWise RTT Bridge:

  • Integrates incoming RTT calls with the infrastructure of Next Generation Core Services (NGCS).
  • Directs calls from applications that use RTT to Emergency Services, without a Relay Service interface.
  • Integrates into existing SIP-based architecture, minimizing changes to the operational environment.
  • Adds RTT conference, which is key when first respondents need to do a call transfer and consultations during emergencies.
  • Integration via SIP or REST API.
  • Enables call recording.
Image showing in detail how a RTT call is coming into a PSAP

Meaningful Accessibility to Public Safety

At nWise, we aim to address this imbalance and give people who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing the reassurance that they too can rapidly access Emergency Services. RTT makes emergency services accessible to everyone. Since we set out on our journey in 2008, RTT and increased accessibility to Emergency Services have formed an integral part of what we do. 

By Meaningful Accessibility we mean more than texting or faxing, which incredibly, are what currently pass for “accessibility” in a number of countries. Meaningful Accessibility simply means that everyone should be able to make an emergency call and get the help they need in a timely manner.

The basics of Real-Time Text

RTT is a communication technology that allows text to be sent instantaneously as it is typed, similar to the way voice communication works in real-time.  It uses standardized and it enables emergency services and Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs) to receive calls from Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing individuals that use RTT.

nWise RTT Bridge RTT also facilitates adding RTT calls to a conference, performing warm transfers, and effectively managing RTT calls

RTT has become a global standard for transmitting text in telecommunications. It allows text characters to be transmitted as they are being typed, providing a real-time communication experience. It is rapidly replacing TTY/textphones and other non-standardized text in telecom services in Europe and North America, including Telecom Relay Services and Emergency Services.

RTT to Emergency Services

The United States and the EU have approved regulatory changes to enforce accessibility to emergency services by people who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. RTT is the technology that is used.

nWise is something of an authority on the issue. For several years, we’ve been deeply involved in discussions promoted by the EENA (European Emergency Number Association) and NENA (North American Emergency Number Association). We are regulars at conferences, giving demonstrations and participating in panel discussions that deal with accessibility to the Next Generation of Emergency Services.

Next Generation Emergency Services – NG911 and NG112

Most emergency systems in North America (911) and Europe (112) were originally built using analog technology rather than digital. Next Generation Core Services (NGCS) are now being deployed and rolled out, with Public Safety Answering Points being upgraded to IP-based technology. This shift from voice-centric to data-centric systems will enhance emergency services for all individuals. 

So Why Use nWise RTT Bridge?

nWise has a proven track record in developing communication solutions with RTT, and our mission has always been to enable communication for all. With nWise RTT Bridge, we bring this mission to a key sector of society: Emergency Communication Services.

nWise RTT Bridge is a key element in Next Generation Core Services (NGCS) that effectively enables RTT calls to a PSAP. It has been developed to conform with the EECC 2018/1972 and EAA 2019/882 requirements, and to meet the ETSI EMTEL and NENA i3 requirements.

To find out more about how we can help you with access to emergency services with nWise RTT Bridge, contact us here. To learn more about these services, click here or fill out the form so that we can give you a call to discuss further.

To request more information about nWise RTT Bridge, contact us through our website. 

 

Communication for All

Do you have any questions, or do you already feel that we are the company for you? Contact us today for more informations!