What is Real Time Text (RTT)?

RTT is a communications tool that enables people to communicate with each other and to contact the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) effectively. It is particularly useful for deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired users. In an emergency situation, RTT allows for instantaneous text communication with real-time interaction between users and the Emergency Operator. RTT also benefits others facing temporary communication challenges, like during high-stress situations where speaking may be difficult.

RTT is a communication method where text is sent and received instantly, character by character. As you type text, it appears as it is typed on the other person’s phone. It is a type of phone call that adds text communication capability to the normal audio communication.

How does RTT differ from Emergency SMS?

RTT in the form of an emergency communication which can be made to 112/999, allows individuals to send text messages instantly during an emergency situation. It enables direct and immediate text communication with the ECAS, as opposed to traditional text messaging (SMS), which can experience some latency. Emergency SMS can only be made to 112.

Compared to traditional text-based services, RTT will allow for greater interaction, interpretation, and anticipation between the caller and the Emergency Operator.

The Emergency Operator will read your text to the Emergency Services and type the Emergency Service replies to you (this is called voice relay).

How to Enable RTT on Your Device?

Vodafone Ireland is the first mobile operator in Ireland to introduce RTT with the remaining operators to follow soon. Vodafone Ireland customers using both Android and iOS devices can now activate Real-Time Text (RTT) directly from their handset settings.

  • On Android, users can go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing > RTT and toggle the feature on.
  • iPhone users can enable RTT by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > RTT/TTY and switching on “Software RTT.” Once enabled, RTT allows users to send and receive text instantly during a call — making communication more accessible, especially for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

I have previously provided additional personal details to the ECAS, will this still be used?

There is no preparation or registration required to use either Emergency SMS, or RTT when contacting the ECAS.

Due to the slower nature of SMS communication, people who believe that they may need to use Emergency SMS in the future are encouraged to provide the ECAS with some information (e.g. home address, access details, support/next of kin etc.) in advance, which may help to speed up the communication and help the Emergency Services to provide assistance in the event of an emergency communication. If an emergency communication is received from a number for which additional information has been provided, the Emergency Operator will provide the Emergency Services with this detail.

If you have already provided additional information to the ECAS for Emergency SMS, then this information will also be available and used if you make an Emergency RTT Call.

If you feel that there is particular detail which could help the Emergency Services to respond and would be easier/faster to provide in advance for either Emergency SMS or RTT, then you are encouraged to submit this information to the ECAS here.