TTY Policy
TTY
TTY, also known as Text Telephone Device or Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD), is a special device required at both ends of the conversation that enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired to use the telephone to communicate. TTY works by allowing people to type messages back and forth to one another instead of talking and listening.
The FCC established a June 30, 2002 deadline for digital wireless (PCS) carriers to have the capability to transmit a call from a wireless handset that is hooked to a TTY. While the FCC mandate pertains specifically to calls made to 911 the ability to have call completion to 911 means these persons can complete a call to anyone, anywhere provided the party on the receiving end of the call also has a TTY.
Additional information from the FCC about the use of TTY with digital wireless phones. ›
Stick together with TTY on T-Mobile's network.
T-Mobile USA is proud to announce it has upgraded its network to provide TTY compatibility. Customers with hearing disabilities will be able to purchase a kit containing a TTY-capable handset and a mobile TTY from T-Mobile's partner Hitec Group International, Inc.
Hitec has several options available. Hitec representatives will work with the customer to determine which kit best meets the customers needs, but each kit contains everything the end customer should need for their TTY use:
- A TTY capable phone
- T-Mobile Welcome Guide
- T-Mobile SIM card (un-activated)
- Instructions on how to complete the activation process
- TTY equipment and cables
To purchase the complete kit visit Hitec at www.hitec.com or call them at 877.207-2056(V) or 877.878-1996(TTY).
Activating Service
The TTY capable phone will be shipped from Hitec already operational with the TTY equipment. However, customers will need to visit a T-Mobile retail store for assistance with selecting the proper price plan and activating T-Mobile service on the SIM card.
Voice
All T-Mobile price plans and most features will work with TTY. No additional features need to be purchased for the TTY handset and equipment to work properly.
Data
WAP Services and Data are also supported with the TTY capable phone, however the TTY kit plugs into the bottom of some handsets which may make adding PC based data capabilities difficult.
Support
All hardware, including the TTY capable phone and the TTY equipment will be supported by Hitec.
T-Mobile will provide support for service on it's wireless network and billing inquiries.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
Some hearing aid users may detect interference in the form of a buzzing, humming, or a whining noise when using a wireless handset. The amount of interference experienced may vary due to immunity level differences of hearing aids.
A ratings system is used to assist consumers with identifying a wireless telephone that is most compatible with hearing aids. Handsets tested for hearing aid compatibility are rated M1 through M4. Handsets that receive a M3 or M4 rating usually cause the least amount of interference with hearing aids (typically, the higher the M rating, the less interference).
Although the ratings system is not a guarantee, it is a useful tool for consumers to determine the most appropriate wireless handset.
Additional information about hearing aid compatibility with wireless handsets
Hearing Aid-Compatible Handsets
T-Mobile currently offers the following hearing aid-compatible handsets. All of these handsets are rated at M3 or better.
Good
- Motorola RAZR V306 - M3 and T3
- Motorola W490 – M3 and T3
- Samsung T239 - M3 and T3
- Nokia 2760 – M3 and T3
- Samsung T229 – M3 and T3
- Samsung T659 - M3 and T3
- Samsung T139 - M3 and T3
- Nokia 3711 - M3 and T3
- Nokia 2720 - M3 and T3
Best
- Motorola Active - MOTOACTV – M3
- Nokia 3555 – M3 and T3
- Samsung T339(*) – M3 and T3
- Samsung T459 – M3
- Samsung Memoir – M3
- Nokia 7510 – M3 and T3
- SE Equinox - M3 and T3
- T-Mobile TAP - M3
Premium
- RIM 8320 Curve(*) – M3 and T3
- RIM 8220(*) – M3 and T3
- Sidekick LX – M3
- Sidekick 2008 – M3
- Samsung Behold – M3
- Sidekick LX 2009 - M3
- Shadow with Hotspot Enabled – M3 and T3
The above phones have been tested and rated for use with hearing aids for some of the wireless technologies that it uses. However, there may be some newer wireless technologies used in this phone that have not been tested yet for use with hearing aids. It is important to try the different features of this phone thoroughly and in different locations, using your hearing aid or cochlear implant, to determine if you hear any interfering noise.
(*)Handsets with WiFi have not been tested for hearing aid compatibility in WiFi Mode.
Hearing Aid Compatible Handset Functionality tiers are based on the following criteria:
Good: From basic bar to core feature phones, these phones are straight-forward and look good.
Best: Products that scream color, form factor and style. Important features match the high quality look and feel.
Premium: These are the top of the line in design, materials and feature quality.
T-Mobile USA, Inc. has a limited 30-day handset exchange, return, and upgrade opportunity for hearing aid-compatible handsets that are used by customers meeting certain restrictions. For additional information, please contact T-Mobile at 1-800-937-8997 or via TTY Customer Care at 1-877-296-1018 (TTY hours 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. PT, daily).
Handsets for the Visually Impaired
The Owasys 22C screenless phone was developed and manufactured expressly for visually impaired users. The Owasys 22C is available from Capital Accessibility LLC, a T-Mobile value-added reseller.
Inquiries? For media requests, commercial questions or customer service inquiries, visit our Contacts page.