Real-time text: cell phone users will soon be able to chat while on the phone

German cell phone users will soon be able to activate a live chat function for phone calls. All four network operators will activate real-time text (RTT) on June 28 as part of the Accessibility Improvement Act. During a phone call, you can use the phone app to enter chats that the other party can see in real time.

This means that you can see every letter typed immediately – unlike traditional chat programs, a message does not have to be sent first. RTT was primarily designed as an accessibility feature and is intended to enable people with speech or hearing impairments to communicate better with their smartphone. RTT is also set to become mandatory for emergency calls throughout the EU in 2027 so that callers can communicate discreetly with the emergency services or police in dangerous situations.

Most current cell phones have already supported RTT for some time. However, mobile phone operators must first activate the function before it can actually be used. The messages sent are sent via the mobile network and do not affect the data volume of mobile phone contracts.

From Android 10 and iOS 11.2

RTT can be used on devices with Android version 10 or higher and iOS version 11.2 or higher. The feature only works during an active call that is being made via LTE, 5G or Wi-Fi. However, RTT does not work for calls made via older mobile phone standards. In addition, mobile network operators cannot guarantee that RTT will work for calls abroad – The prerequisite is that the mobile network operator of the person being called also supports the function.

To activate real-time text, users must go to the settings of their phone app. On Android and iOS, the feature should appear under “Accessibility” as soon as it is activated. The RTT function can then be used. Users can either start calls directly with RTT activated, or activate the function during an ongoing call.

(dahe)