Communication dignity includes being reachable by someone who uses different equipment. In its January 23, 2017 real-time-text rule, the FCC required covered RTT services and devices to work with TTYs on other networks. That backward connection matters to an ethical reading of modernization: the new system's capabilities do not, by themselves, answer what happens to the person still using the older one. [2017-01377][2017-01382]

The adopted route let covered internet-protocol wireless voice providers support RTT instead of TTY, subject to applicable accessibility qualifications. RTT transmits text as it is created. Its required functions included simultaneous two-way voice and text on one device, same-number calling and communication with U.S. 911 answering points. The rule specified February 22 effectiveness, not immediate universal availability on publication. [2017-01377][2017-01382]

Providers and manufacturers were not required to recall or retrofit devices already in service or manufactured before relevant compliance dates. The companion proposal therefore presents a substantive question about continuity. The FCC said ending backward compatibility was premature without more information on deployment and transition effectiveness, and sought comment on a possible 2021 sunset rather than adopting one. [2017-01377][2017-01382]

Our ethical reading is that access should be assessed across the connection, not only at its newest end. That is an interpretation of the design, not a claim about any user's experience or a consensus among faiths. These related agency records leave actual availability and the final legacy decision unproven while making the competing responsibilities visible. [2017-01377][2017-01382]

Source documents

  1. Transition From TTY to Real-Time Text Technologyhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-01-23/html/2017-01377.htm
  2. Transition From TTY to Real-Time Text Technologyhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-01-23/html/2017-01382.htm