The FCC is requiring all manufactures and wireless providers to make Real Time Text available without the purchase of any additional software or hardware. Real Time Text allows the receiver of a text to see the message as it is being type. Normally a person would not see the message until the send button is pressed. This type of messaging makes for a more natural form of communication between the hearing and deaf community. It will also allow 911 operators to see a message even if it gets cut off before the send button is pressed. Real Time Text has been around for a long time, but it is only now that it is a mandatory feature for all wireless devices.
You can read the entire FCC decision here.
