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TTYs and Digital Wireless

TTY Access Through Wireless Services

In the past, TTYs could only be used with wireline telephones or analog cellular phones and networks. As a result of the FCC ruling on July 1, 2002 however, TTY users are now generally able to complete calls with their digital wireless services, provided that they have TTYs and digital wireless handsets that are compatible with one another. To comply with FCC requirements, wireless service providers, handset manufacturers, and TTY manufacturers have made technological changes to their networks and some of their products. If your TTY is newer and has a symbol identifying it as "compatible with select digital cellular phones", you will be able to use your TTY with digital wireless handsets that are designated as compatible with TTYs.

A TTY THAT'S COMPATIBLE WITH DIGITAL WIRELESS PHONES + A DIGITAL WIRELESS PHONE THAT'S COMPATIBLE WITH TTYs = COMMUNICATION

TTYs, Digital Wireless and Access to 9-1-1

In certain locations, TTY users may not be able to complete calls successfully to 911 emergency call centers using digital wireless services. Limited testing shows that a TTY call made with certain wireless phone models may have trouble communicating with the TTY equipment located at 911 emergency call centers, resulting in an unintelligible message being delivered. The FCC is encouraging public safety organizations, vendors of TTY equipment for 911 call centers, TTY vendors and wireless service providers to work together to identify these difficulties and develop solutions. For further information, please contact your local wireless service provider.