Attention: This Mobile Feature is FREE FROM SATURDAY – and Saves Lives!

This week, your smartphone has a very special surprise in store that goes beyond a simple app. Whether you're with A1, Magenta, Drei, or another provider in Austria, this feature will fundamentally change your mobile experience.

What is RTT and how does this magic work?

We're talking about RTT – Real Time Text. As the name suggests, it's a chat function that operates in real-time while you're on a call. Yes, you heard that right: You can type and send simultaneously during an ongoing conversation, and your conversation partner sees every letter you type immediately – including typos!

The genius of RTT:

No internet needed: Unlike WhatsApp or other messengers, RTT does not require an active internet connection or mobile data. It works directly over the mobile network (4G or 5G).

No additional costs: There are no fees for using it.

Instant transmission: Every letter and symbol is transmitted in real-time without you having to press "Send".

Why RTT will be so important for everyone in Austria

This new feature is far more than a nice gimmick. It is a huge step towards accessibility and can offer real added value in many situations:

For people with hearing or speech impairments: RTT enables individuals who have difficulties hearing or speaking to fully participate in telephone communication. An essential improvement in communication freedom.

In emergency situations: Imagine you are in a dangerous situation and cannot make a sound. With RTT, you could discreetly and in real-time ask for help or convey important information. Even though full integration for emergency services (112, 133, etc.) will only become mandatory from summer 2027, the potential is enormous.

In everyday life and customer service: Have you ever tried to convey a long IBAN or a complicated email address over the phone? With RTT, hotlines or service centers could send important details directly as text, reducing errors and making communication more efficient. Information about network disruptions could also be shared easily this way. Discretion and noisy environments: Whether in a crowded Viennese café, the subway, or a loud office – sometimes you don't want or can't speak loudly on the phone. RTT allows you to mute yourself and send important messages via text while the conversation continues in the background.

How to Use RTT on Your Smartphone

Activating RTT is quite simple, provided your smartphone manufacturer has made the necessary adjustments:

1. Open settings: Look for the "Accessibility" or "Accessibility" section in your smartphone's settings.

2. Activate RTT: There you will find the option "RTT" or "Real Time Text," which you can turn on. On some devices, the feature can also be activated directly during an ongoing call.

3. Usage note: If both parties use RTT, you will usually see a green button or a similar symbol indicating the start of the chat.

Compatibility: Apple has already ensured with iOS 18.5 that iPhones are equipped for RTT. For Android devices, there may still be slight delays depending on the manufacturer and model until the telephony app is updated accordingly. An active voice connection over LTE, 5G, or Wi-Fi call is important, as well as a smartphone with Android from version 10 or iOS from version 11.2.

The introduction of RTT is not a whim of mobile operators but a direct result of the European Accessibility Act. This EU directive obliges telecommunications providers to offer accessible communication services. The deadline for implementation ends on June 28, and Austria, like all EU countries, is affected. RTT theoretically works EU-wide, provided the network operator abroad also supports the function. In the USA, Real Time Text has been in use since 2017.

Prepare yourself for a new era of mobile communication! It's worth checking your phone settings this weekend and discovering this useful feature.

Frequently Asked Questions About RTT

1. Do I need to activate RTT myself?

Yes, RTT must be manually activated in your smartphone settings (usually under "Accessibility"). It can also be turned on during a call.

2. Does RTT incur costs or use data?

No, RTT is a legally required, free feature and does not use mobile data. It is transmitted directly over the voice network.

3. Does RTT work for emergency calls?

RTT is intended to be available for emergency services in the future, but full implementation by emergency centers in Austria is not mandatory until summer 2027.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.