After challenging T-Mobile and Sprint for rolling out Wi-Fi calling without regulatory approval, AT&T has announced that it has received the requisite waiver from the FCC. The FCC requires that all carriers offering Wi-Fi calling support teletypewriter (TTY) for the hearing-impaired, but the waiver allows AT&T to roll out the feature with a newer form of accessibility service called real-time text (RTT).
From AT&T:
We're grateful the FCC has granted AT&T's waiver request so we can begin providing Wi-Fi calling. At the same time we are left scratching our heads as to why the FCC still seems intent on excusing the behavior of T-Mobile and Sprint, who have been offering these services without a waiver for quite some time. Instead of initiating enforcement action against them, or at least opening an investigation, the agency has effectively invited them to now apply for similar waivers and implied that their prior flaunting of FCC rules will be ignored. This is exactly what we meant when our letter spoke of concerns about asymmetric regulation.
We'll let you know once AT&T announces a specific date for the rollout of its Wi-Fi calling feature.
