T-Mobile and Sinch Deliver NextGen 911 Real-Time Text to Make Fast Access to Public Safety Support Easier for Customers - T-Mobile Newsroom (2024)

Bellevue, Wash. and Chicago, Ill. – Nov. 1, 2022 – With a vast majority of the estimated 240 million 911 calls made in the U.S each year coming from a wireless device, fast and reliable connectivity in an emergency matters. T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) has been at the forefront of industry-leading innovative public safety connectivity solutions like Location-Based routing and Next Generation 911 because every second counts and instant communication with 911 telecommunicators can save lives. And now that leadership continues as the Un-carrier partners with Sinch, the leading cloud communications platform solutions provider, to launch another important first: NextGen 911 Real-Time Text (RTT).

This first-ever NextGen 911 RTT technology is now operating at an Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in Hood County, Texas, allowing T-Mobile customers to communicate with 911 through simultaneous conversational text and voice – text messages can be sent and read at the same time – without the need for teletype (TTY) technology. This is particularly critical for up to 48 million Americans who are Deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who have speech-related disabilities or are non-native English speakers. RTT also gives public safety centers the ability to make better-informed dispatch decisions during a crisis and shave crucial time off a response.

T-Mobile built native RTT features into its devices in 2016, which gives customers the ability to utilize modern conversational text capabilities and allows a text to be sent and read at the same time without the need to hit send or use a specialized device. Then in 2020, the Un-carrier became the first wireless provider to launch Location-Based Routing and Next Generation 911 (NG911) connectivity over IP – two critical advancements that can speed up emergency response times by helping pinpoint the location of callers and enable a more efficient and effective 911 system. These advancements paved the way for fully enabling NextGen 911 RTT for 911 callers in Hood County, Texas and eventually beyond.

Now, as public safety answering points (PSAPs) across the U.S. are ready, they can update TTY to more modern systems to help reduce inaccuracies and improve emergency response. T-Mobile’s advanced network with end-to-end IP connectivity and Sinch’s public safety-grade connectivity provide the foundation for NG911 capabilities, available in 24 States, with plans to expand RTT nationwide as public safety answering points (PSAPs) prepare to deploy the new technology.

“RTT 911 provides an enhanced service to our community including Deaf, hearing or speech impaired individuals as well as those who want to use RTT,” said Christy Williams, director of 911, North Central Texas Emergency Communications. “We appreciate the support of T-Mobile, Sinch, and Solacom as well as our ECCs and staff in implementing production operational practices. We hope carriers and PSAPs around the country become RTT ready to improve public safety.”

“T-Mobile’s advanced LTE network and nationwide 5G network enables game changing technologies like this industry-leading NextGen 911 RTT that will help people and public safety centers communicate more quickly and more clearly in a crisis – and ultimately save lives,” said Neville Ray, president of Technology at T-Mobile. “As the Un-carrier we’re always committed to solving pain points and creating better experiences – never more important than when it comes to ensuring customers and public safety centers have dependable connections in emergencies.”

“Real-time texting is an important advancement because it allows the requestor and receiver to type at the same time and saves precious seconds, which are critical to successfully managing emergency calls and protecting the community,” said Chandy Ghosh, general manager and chief operating officer of emergency services at Sinch. “The extensive collaboration we achieved working with T-Mobile helped in delivering potent next generation capabilities to increase the accuracy of information relayed to PSAPs and first responders. It also creates a clear path to NG911 for other public safety jurisdictions.”

About T-Mobile US, Inc.
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. For more information please visit: http://www.t-mobile.com.

About Sinch
Sinch’s leading cloud communications platform lets businesses reach everyone on the planet, in seconds or less, through mobile messaging, email, voice and video. More than 150,000 businesses, including many of the world’s largest companies and mobile operators, use Sinch’s advanced technology platform to engage with their customers. Sinch has been profitable and fast-growing since its foundation in 2008. It is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has local presence in more than 50 countries. Shares are traded at NASDAQ Stockholm: XSTO:SINCH. Visit us at sinch.com.

Media Relations ContactT-Mobile US, Inc.MediaRelations@t-mobile.com

Jan Ritter, Director of Marketing, Sinch Voice T-Mobile US, Inc.jan.ritter@sinch.com

https://investor.t-mobile.com

Jeff Hasen, Vice President of, Communications, Sinch  jeff.hasen@sinch.com

TagsEmergency Response

T-Mobile and Sinch Deliver NextGen 911 Real-Time Text to Make Fast Access to Public Safety Support Easier for Customers - T-Mobile Newsroom (2024)

FAQs

What is T-Mobile E911? ›

An E911 address allows emergency services to determine the location of each phone or device, in case they need to call 911. Wi-Fi Calling and some other T-Mobile products require a valid E911 address to work.

Does T-Mobile support RTT? ›

T-Mobile customers with RTT-enabled devices will be able to send and receive RTT calls with other T-Mobile customers who have RTT-enabled devices. This functionality is available when the underlying network is 4G LTE (VoLTE) capable or Wi-Fi calling has been enabled. RTT will not function in the 2G/3G network.

What is the difference between 911 and E911? ›

The 911 and E911 Systems are both emergency phone systems, the only difference is that a basic 911 System only provides a direct point of contact to a public safety agency. An Enhanced 911 (E-911) System takes it a step further by providing the caller's address and telephone of where the call originated from.

What is E911 location on cell phone? ›

Emergency responders rely heavily on Enhanced 911 (E911) location services when responding to 911 calls. The E911 system routes callers to the closest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Does RTT mean someone is listening? ›

Using RTT does not mean someone else is listening. It allows for real-time text exchanges as an alternative to voice calls between two consenting users. The conversation remains between those two users who are involved in the RTT texts.

Who uses RTT calling? ›

Real-time text (RTT) is a paid telecommunications feature for deaf or hearing-impaired users on smartphones. RTT enables users to type and read text during a phone conversation, in real time without having to click send. It avoids the delays of traditional text messaging. RTT replaces traditional TTY devices.

What does it mean when your phone goes to RTT mode? ›

Real-time text (RTT) lets you use text to communicate during a phone call. RTT works with TTY and doesn't require any additional accessories. Important: The information in this article might not apply to all devices.

What does my E911 do? ›

What is E911? E911 stands for Enhanced 911, and it's the part of the 911 system that automatically ties a location to the call—whether it's a specific address or coordinates. If we had to explain enhanced 911 (E911) in five words or less, we'd tell you that it's location services for 911 calls.

How do I use E911? ›

How it works. If you have E911, when you dial 911 your telephone number and location are automatically sent to the 911 operator during the call. You do not have to do anything differently to use E911; the number for dialing emergency services is still the same: 9-1-1.

What is E911 Wi-Fi Calling? ›

Your E-911 address is used by emergency services to determine your location. When you enable WiFi Calling, you'll be asked to register a physical address to ensure that you're provided with emergency services if you call 911 over WiFi.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6440

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.