AT&T applied to the FCC to request permission to offer Wi-Fi calling, complaining to the agency that other providers were offering the feature without the proper permission.
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After the commission invited other carriers to apply, Verizon has asked the FCC to grant them a similar waiver. Verizon plans to deploy RTT as a successor technology to TTY since, unlike TTY, RTT will work reliably in an IP environment. Technically, an FCC Waiver is required here because of the fact that Wi-Fi calling does not support an aging technology called teletypewriter (TTY), which helps the hearing impaired. It’s important to note, however, that AT&T is developing its own TTY replacement that is scheduled to be ready for consumer use by the end of 2016. That came following a complaint lodged by AT&T Mobility that competitors Sprint and T-Mobile U.S. are using Wi-Fi calling that doesn’t conform to accessibility rules for those hard of hearing, specifically the FCC teletypewriter functionality, which enables text-based communication over a telephone call. And although Verizon hasn’t implemented Wi-Fi Calling yet, when AT&T did earlier this week, initial support was only made available for the iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus and 6s Plus handsets. While the lukewarm reviews indicate that customers aren’t too happy, Verizon’s app does allow iPad users to make and receive calls – something that the built-in iOS option doesn’t.
Verizon is finally taking steps to enable Wi-Fi calling on its network.
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If Verizon can get its waiver, then it will be able to support “true” Wi-Fi calling-iOS and Android devices would both be able to make calls over Wi-Fi through their native dialers, rather than needing a supplemental app to do so. Verizon is seeking the same terms, which gives it plenty of time to bring RTT to market. Verizon will also inform the Commission and customers of its progress toward the deployment of RTT as described in the AT&T Waiver Order.
