On November 13, 2015, the FCC granted Verizon 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 of alternative text‐based accessibility solutions for IP‐based wireless networks. The 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.
The waiver order imposes the following conditions on Verizon:
- Within 30 days and throughout the duration of the waiver period,
- Verizon must notify customers that TTY technology will not be supported for calls to 911 services over IP‐based wireless services
- Verizon must provide customers with information about alternative text‐based telephone solutions, including solutions to call 911.
- Every six months, Verizon must file a report with the Commission regarding Verizon’s progress toward the deployment of new IP‐based wireless accessibility solutions. The first report is due May 13, 2016.
- Within 90 days, Verizon must file a preliminary report with the Commission describing its initial plans for meeting its commitment to develop and deploy RTT or an alternative text‐based solution for IP‐based wireless services that is accessible, interoperable with other carriers’ accessibility solutions, and backwards compatible with TTY technology.
Links to the Order:
For more information, contact Suzy Rosen Singleton, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at 202‐510‐9446 or Suzanne.Singleton@fcc.gov.