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Text telephone devices (TTYs or TDDs) are used by people
with hearing or speech disabilities to send and receive text messages over
telephone networks. In the past, wireline telephone and analog cellular
networks generally were compatible with TTYs, but digital wireless networks
were not. Since July 1, 2002, as a result of FCC rules to ensure that TTY
users can complete emergency 911 calls, wireless service providers have
upgraded their digital networks to be compatible with TTYs. Consumers are
now generally able to use TTYs to complete calls with their digital wireless
phones, including 911 calls, if the phone itself is TTY-compatible. To find
a TTY-compatible digital wireless phone, contact your wireless service
provider or handset retailer. In certain limited areas, the FCC granted
additional time to specific wireless carriers to make their digital wireless
services compatible with TTY devices. Such wireless service providers may
not yet provide TTY-compatible digital wireless service in these areas. For
a list of the specific areas and wireless service providers granted
additional time, visit the FCC’s Disability Rights Office Web site at
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/e911_appendix_a.html. You can also check with
your wireless service provider.
Filing a Complaint
If you are having a problem completing a 911 call using
TTY, you can file a complaint with the FCC. There is no charge for filing a
complaint. You can file your complaint using an on-line complaint form found
at
esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm. You can also file your complaint with
the FCC’s Consumer Center by e-mailing
fccinfo@fcc.gov; calling 1-888-CALL- FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or
1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
455 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554.
What to Include in Your Complaint
The best way for you to provide all the information the
FCC needs to process your complaint is to complete fully the on-line
complaint form. When you open the on-line complaint form, you will be asked
a series of questions that will take you to the particular section of the
form you need to complete. If you do not use the on-line complaint form,
your complaint, at a minimum, should indicate:
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your name, address, email address, and phone number
where you can be reached;
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whether you are filing a complaint on behalf of
another party, and if so, the party’s name, address, email address, day
time phone number, and your relationship to the party;
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preferred format or method of response (letter,
fax, voice phone call, email, TRS, TTY, ASCII text, audio recording, or
Braille);
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that your complaint is about TTY;
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the name, address, and telephone number (if known)
of the company or companies involved with your complaint; and
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a brief description of your complaint and the
resolution you are seeking, and a full description of the equipment or
service you are complaining about, including date of purchase, use, or
attempt to use.
For More Information
For more information about TTY devices and digital
wireless phones, visit the FCC’s Web site at
www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/e911tty.html. For more information about wireless
911 services, visit
www.fcc.gov/911/enhanced or see our consumer fact sheet at
www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wireless911srvc.html. For information
about other telecommunications issues, visit the FCC’s Consumer &
Governmental Affairs Bureau Web site at www.fcc.gov/cgb,
or contact the FCC’s Consumer Center using the information provided for
filing a complaint.
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Federal Communications Commission · Consumer
& Governmental Affairs Bureau · 445 12th St. S.W. ·
Washington, DC 20554 |
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1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) ·
TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) · Fax: 1-866-418-0232 · www.fcc.gov/cgb/
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Federal Communications Commission
