A few weeks ago, AT&T made a decision to delay the rollout of its much-awaited Wi-Fi calling feature for iPhones over regulatory hurdles. Now, the carrier is reiterating its intention to provide the feature on iPhones via iOS 9, saying its strong rivals, T-Mobile and Sprint, are not following disability regulations set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
In a letter to the FCC, AT&T pointed out that T-Mobile and Sprint should be waiting for the FCC's approval as well.
"Neither of those carriers has approached the FCC to request a waiver of the TTY rules," writes AT&T in the letter addressed to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler.
The two carriers have already been providing their clients with Wi-Fi calling services over a year now via Android devices and for a few months on iOS devices.
TTYs (TeleTYpewriter — also referred to as Telecommunications Device for Deaf) are significantly beneficial for the deaf and hearing-impaired to type their messages instead of listening and speaking.
While the FCC has ruled that TTY devices have to be able to make 911 calls over Wi-Fi, these devices do not necessarily function efficiently over wireless networks.
As stated in the letter, the provider is seeking a temporary waiver of the rules to provide the service. It is requesting to use Real-Time Text (RTT) – which works more reliably over Wi-Fi – instead of TTY.
Mark Wigfield, an FCC spokesperson, pointed out that providers of telecommunications – which include wireless and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) – make their service accessible to persons with disabilities.
"We are reviewing AT&T’s request of a waiver of the TTY requirement, which, as I understand it, would be for the period until they can roll out a substitute technology," said Wigfield.
Once the FCC grants AT&T's request, the carrier will be able to offer the service to its customers with compatible iPhones.
The Wi-Fi calling service is useful for users who have poor cellular signal but have a stable Wi-Fi network.
In September, AT&T subscribers were excitedly waiting for the arrival of iOS 9, as it was supposed to also bring the Wi-Fi calling functionality to iPhone owners.
Verizon is also not offering this feature to its customers.
