Baudot meaning

Baudot describes a legacy 5‑bit teleprinter character code (International Telegraph Alphabet No. 2) used by some text telephones (TTY/TDD) and older telex/teleprinter equipment. In practice it is transmitted with start/stop bits, creating a seven‑unit frame while only five bits carry information. This is a descriptive technical term, not defined in UK or Irish legislation or case law, but it commonly appears in telecommunications contracts, technical schedules and accessibility provisions, including obligations to support text relay and emergency access for users with hearing or speech impairments. Key features include a limited character set that relies on “letters/figures” shift codes, and typical speeds of 45.45 or 50 baud. It should not be confused with “baud” (symbol rate). Usage is broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Modern networks typically satisfy accessibility and interoperability duties (for example under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom General Conditions, and ComReg consumer/accessibility requirements) by providing ITU‑T V.18 gateways, enabling Baudot text telephones to connect to 999/112 text relay and related services. Practical relevance arises when specifying compatibility, service levels and liability in telecoms and emergency communications arrangements.