Text with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1) is the capability for a deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, or speech impaired person to communicate with 9-1-1 services using wireless-based text messaging and is only intended for deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, or speech impaired persons. They must register for the T9-1-1 service with their wireless service provider.
This service will be available only in Canada. The Canadian industry has come up with a unique Canadian solution for the deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, and speech impaired which benefits from the existing Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) system.
Voice calling remains the only way to communicate with 9-1-1 services for a person that is not deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or with speech impairment. Text with 9-1-1 for the public at large is expected to be deployed at a later date.
T9-1-1 was developed by the CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee (CISC) Emergency Services Working Group (ESWG). The CISC ESWG participants include wireless carriers, 9-1-1 service providers, Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) organizations, representatives of hearing- and speech-impaired persons, and other interested parties. The T9-1-1 service was tested with volunteers from the deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, and speech impaired community in the spring and summer of 2012 in Vancouver, Toronto, Peel Region, and in Montreal. Their observations were positive and their comments helped to develop and improve the service.