A new calling feature is coming: Real-time text calling has been activated in DNA’s network — it will soon also be possible during emergency calls

“As its name implies, real-time text is displayed on the screen in real time during a call. The recipient can read the message as it’s being typed, letter by letter, and start responding to it by text or speech. RTT supports voice while writing, so the call can consist of both written text and speech,” says Pekka Jääskeläinen, Vice President, Cloud and Mobile Core at DNA.

RTT is enabled across DNA’s entire mobile network and does not require any subscription-specific changes or additional services. From the user perspective, RTT is like a regular call. However, in order to function, it requires both call participants to have 4G VoLTE capabilities. This means that RTT does not work when making or receiving calls on the 2G network.

Waiting for software updates

In addition, RTT must be activated separately in the phone settings. Both modern Android and iOS devices already support RTT in selected countries, but the feature has not yet been widely unlocked on Finnish phones, as it could not be used earlier on local mobile networks. Both Google and Apple already have instructions in Finnish on their websites for how to activate the feature in Android and iOS phone settings. That said, these settings must first be rolled out in phone software updates, coming in the near future.

“Once the new feature is supported by phone software and activated in the settings, you can easily start an RTT call by pressing the designated button. You can also make an RTT call to someone who has not activated this feature in their settings yet. The recipient will then be prompted by the phone display to decide whether to answer the call with RTT enabled or not. Text written during the call is saved in the call log, which you can read after the call,” says Jääskeläinen.

Coming to emergency calls soon

Based on the Finnish decree on telecommunications operators, as from 28 June 2025 it must be possible for Finns to use real-time text on behalf of mobile network technology when calling an emergency number. This means that instead of or in addition to speaking, emergency call participants can also type messages in real time. However, the Ministry of the Interior is currently consulting on a draft bill on the subject, which proposes a two-year transitional period for the introduction of RTT obligations for the emergency services. The bill will therefore make RTT emergency calls possible by 28 June 2027.

“RTT is an excellent feature to have during emergency calls, or just any other calls, especially if the caller is speech or hearing challenged, or if the situation makes it impossible to speak. Furthermore, RTT makes it possible to provide additional information in writing, such as when the name of a place or person involved is hard to pronounce and writing it out would improve clarity,” says Jääskeläinen.

Media enquiries:

Pekka Jääskeläinen, VP, Cloud and Mobile Core, DNA Plc, tel. +358 44 044 2459, pekka.jaaskelainen@dna.fi

DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi