Real-Time Call Translation Enters T-Mobile Beta

T-Mobile has introduced a real-time call translation service that allows users to communicate during phone calls even if they speak different languages.

The company recently unveiled its Live Translation feature, which integrates real-time AI capabilities directly into its telecommunications network. According to T-Mobile, beta testing for the service will begin this spring.

The feature analyzes voice conversations and automatically translates them into more than 50 languages, including Korean. It does not require a separate application, as the AI translation is processed through the network itself.

Users can activate the translation function by dialing *87* during a call. The service is available as long as at least one of the participants is a T-Mobile subscriber.

T-Mobile stated that approximately 60 million people domestically live in multilingual households. The company expects the feature to help address communication challenges caused by language barriers. It added that the service could be used in various situations, including family calls, overseas reservations, customer support, and handling phone calls for self-employed business owners.

Pre-registration is currently open to individual postpaid plan subscribers, and participation may close early due to limited availability.

During the beta testing period, the service will be offered free of charge. It supports voice calls only and will not be available for emergency calls such as 911. Commercial rollout is scheduled to take place later this year.

Following the rollout of Live Translation, T-Mobile plans to expand its lineup of network-based AI services, including AI-powered call response systems.

BY YEONGCHAE SONG [song.yeongchae@koreadaily.com]