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TRS Proceedings

"TRS enables individuals with hearing or speech disabilities to access the public telephone system to communicate with voice telephone users through a CA at a TRS relay center. The CA relays conversations between persons using various types of assistive communication devices and persons who do not require such assistive devices. The Commission's TRS rules require common carriers providing voice transmission services to offer 711 abbreviated dialing access to TRS as a toll-free call. 711 abbreviated dialing allows TRS users (both persons with hearing or speech disabilities and voice telephone users) to call a TRS provider to initiate a TRS call from anywhere in the country by dialing 711, so that TRS users do not have to dial or commit to memory (especially when traveling to another state) the 10-digit number of a particular state's TRS provider. The Commission's TRS rules also set forth operational, technical, and functional mandatory minimum standards applicable to the provision of TRS. " Order Oct 9, 2007

  • Released:  07/29/2008.  COMMISSION RELEASES REQUEST FOR QUOTATION FOR CONTRACTOR TO BUILD AND OPERATE CENTRALIZED DATABASE FOR INTERNET BASED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE NUMBERING SYSTEM. (DA No.  08-1788). (Dkt No 03-123, 05-196).  WCB | DOC | PDF | TXT |
  • FCC ADOPTS TELEPHONE NUMBERING SYSTEM AND E-911 REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDERS OF INTERNET-BASED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES.  News Release. News Media Contact: Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0511  CGB. Contact Lisa Boehley at (202) 418-7395 | DOC | PDF | TXT |
  • COMMISSION SEEKS COMMENT ON CHANGES IN SPEECH-TO-SPEECH TRS REGULATIONS; TENTATIVELY CONCLUDES THAT INTERNET PROTOCOL SPEECH-TO-SPEECH IS COMPENSABLE FROM THE INTERSTATE TRS FUND.  News Release. News Media Contact: Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0511  CGB. Contact Greg Hlibok at (800) 311-4381; e-mail gregory. hlibok @ fcc. gov | DOC | PDF | TXT |
  • FCC TO HOLD WORKSHOP ON SOLUTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING TEN-DIGIT TELEPHONE NUMBERING FOR INTERNET-BASED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES ON APRIL 29, 2008.  News Release. News Media Contact: Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0511, e-mail: rosemary.kimball@fcc.gov   CGB. Contact Gregory Hlibok at (800) 311-4381 (voice/VRS), email: Gregory.Hlibok@fcc.gov or  Alan Amann at (202) 418-2540 (TTY), email: Alan.Amann@fcc.gov | DOC | PDF | TXT |
  • IP-ENABLED SERVICES; IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTIONS 255 AND 251(A)(2) OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1934, AS ENACTED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996: ACCESS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE,  ET. AL .  Extended and modified the current waivers, as they apply to interconnected VoIP providers and traditional TRS providers. (Dkt No.  92-105, 96-198, 03-123). Action by:  Chief, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau. Adopted:  04/04/2008 by ORDER. (DA No. 08-821).  CGB | DOC | PDF | TXT |
  • Released: 03/19/20 08. CONSUMER & GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BUREAU SEEKS TO REFRESH RECORD ON ASSIGNING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP)-BASED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE (TRS) USERS TEN-DIGIT TELEPHONE NUMBERS LINKED TO NORTH AMERICAN NUMBERING PLAN (NANP) AND RELATED ISSUES. (DA No. 08-607). (Dkt No 03-123) PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED. Comments Due: 04/08/2008. Reply Comments Due: 04/18/2008. CGB. Contact: Gregory Hlibok at (800) 311-4381, TTY: (202) 418-0431, email: Gregory.Hlibok@fcc.gov | DOC | PDF | TXT |
  • TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES AND SPEECH-TO-SPEECH SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH HEARING AND SPEECH DISABILITIES; E911 REQUIREMENTS FOR IP-ENABLED SERVICE PROVIDERS. The Commission adopts a system for assigning users of Internet-based (TRS), specifically VRS and IP Relay, ten-digit telephone numbers linked to the North American Numbering Plan. (Dkt No. 03-123, 05-196). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 06/11/2008 by R&O/NPRM. (FCC No. 08-151). CGB PDF | DOC
    • "In this Report and Order ( Order ), we adopt a system for assigning users of Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), specifically Video Relay Service (VRS) and Internet Protocol (IP) Relay, ten-digit telephone numbers linked to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The numbering system adopted herein will further the functional equivalency mandate by ensuring that Internet-based TRS users can be reached by voice telephone users in the same way that voice telephone users are called. The measures we adopt today also are intended to ensure that emergency calls placed by Internet-based TRS users will be routed directly and automatically to the appropriate emergency services authorities by Internet-based TRS providers. Consistent with the Interim Emergency Call Handling Order , we require that the ten-digit numbering plan set forth herein be implemented no later than December 31, 2008. In the accompanying Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ( Further Notice ), we seek comment on additional issues relating to the assignment and administration of ten-digit telephone numbers for Internet-based TRS.
  • FCC RELEASES AGENDA FOR APRIL 29, 2008, STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ON TEN-DIGIT NUMBERING SOLUTIONS FOR INTERNET-BASED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES., FCC 4/29/2008
  • Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks To Refresh Record On Assigning Internet Protocol (Ip)-Based Telecommunications Relay Service (Trs) Users Ten-Digit Telephone Numbers Linked To North American Numbering Plan (Nanp) And Related Issues., FCC 3/25/2008
  • Telecommunications Relay Services And Speech-To-Speech Services For Individuals With Hearing And Speech Disabilities; E911 Requirements For Ip-Enabled Service Providers. , FCC 3/25/2008
  • FCC E911 Disability Access Summit (DA 06-1908) 11.15.6 PN
  • This is a long and involved proceeding. For an excellent history see FCC's TRS History Docket
  • Requestion for Clarification that Internet Speech to Speech is a form of TRS
CG Docket No. 03-123

Internet TRS Fraud

The FCC has opened a proceeding requesting comment on ways to curtail the abuse of the two Internet-based forms of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) -- Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service and Video Relay Service (VRS). Such misuse, including, using IP Relay to make telephone purchases from merchants using stolen, fake, or otherwise invalid credit cards, or improperly using VRS as a substitute for in-person interpreters, results in improper compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund.

Although calls that reach relay centers via the Internet contain no calling party number or location information, TRS providers and their employees who process IP Relay calls can often identify wasteful calls. The Commission asked for comments on additional steps it might take to prevent misuse. It also asked whether it should adopt rules to guide the discretion of TRS providers in determining whether a call is illegitimate.

Action by the Commission May 3, 2006, by Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 06-58). Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein and Tate.

- FCC -

CG Docket No. 03-123

CGB Contact: Thomas Chandler at (202) 418-1475 (voice); (202) 418-0597 (TTY).

  • 5/3/06 FCC Addresses Issue of Internet TRS Fraud. News Release: Word | Acrobat
Released April 22, 2002 
Dkt No 98-67		   Ex Parte Period

IP TRS FNPRM

FNPRM Word | Text | Adobe

"Provision of Improved Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order on Reconsideration), FCC 05-48, CC Docket No. 98-67, released March 9, 2005. In the Order on Reconsideration, the Commission granted petitions filed by Sprint Corporation (Sprint) and WorldCom, Inc. (MCI) seeking reconsideration of the Commission's March 14, 2003, IP Relay Reconsideration Order. This matter drives from the April 2002 IP Relay Declaratory Ruling and FNPRM, which recognized IP Relay as a form of telecommunications relay service (TRS), authorized compensation for IP Relay providers from the Interstate TRS Fund, and waived certain mandatory minimum standards as they apply to the provision of IP Relay. The IP Relay Declaratory Ruling and &FNPRM did not, however, waive the requirements to provide hear carry over (HCO) and pay-per-call (900 number) services. Those requirements were subsequently waived in the IP Relay Reconsideration Order, but that order denied Sprint's request that it be compensated from its costs of providing IP Relay prior to the date of that order (i.e., prior to the waiver of the HCO and pay-per-call requirements). Sprint and MCI now seek further reconsideration of the IP Relay Reconsideration Order to the extent it denied Sprint's request for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund for its provision of IP Relay services prior to the release date of that order (i.e., from July 2002 to March 2003). "

"In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking), CC Dockets 90-571 and 98-67 and CG Docket 03-123, FCC 04-137, 19 FCC Rcd 12475, released June 30, 2004. In this Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Order) the Commission addresses cost recovery and other matters relating to the provision of TRS pursuant to Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

  • This Order contains, first, a Report and Order addressing: (1) cost recovery issues arising from the TRS Cost Recovery MO&O and FNPRM; (2) cost recovery issues arising from the IP Relay Declaratory Ruling & FNPRM; (3) issues arising from the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking contained in the Second Improved TRS Order & NPRM; (4) petitions seeking extension of the waivers set forth in the VRS Waiver Order; (5) the 711 Petition; (6) the petition by a provider of VRS for "certification" as a TRS provider eligible to receive compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund; ( and (7) the petition for limited waiver concerning VRS and interpreting in state legal proceedings.
  • This Order also includes and Order on Reconsideration addressing petitions for reconsideration of three TRS matters: (1) the petitions for reconsideration of the June 30, 2003 Bureau TRS Order with respect to the per-minute compensation rate for VRS; (2) the Second Improved TRS Order & NPRM; and (3) the Coin Sent-Paid Fifth Report & Order.
  • Finally, this Order contains a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) seeking comment on various TRS-related matters relating to two Internet-based forms of TRS, IP Relay and VRS. We also seek comment on issues concerning TRS Advisory Council and the abuse of communications assistants (CAs) handling TRS calls. We have concluded that it is in the interest of administrative efficiency to consolidate the various proceedings into this Order."

" In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), CC Docket 98-67, DA 04-465, 19 FCC Rcd 2993, released February 24, 2004 This Order addresses two issues concerning the Commission's oversight of the provision of telecommunications relay services (TRS). First, in the 2nd Improved TRS Order & NPRM, The Commission required TRS providers to offer three-way calling functionality as a mandatory minimum standard for TRS. This requirement become effective February 24, 2004, but some providers assert that it is not presently possible for a TRS facility to provide this service, at least to the extent the facility is required to set up the three-way call. Second, as a result of the significant growth of monthly minutes of use of Video Relay Service (VRS) and IP Relay over initial projections, the Interstate TRS Fund is facing a shortfall in funds so that, without additional funding, it will likely not be able to compensate the providers in full for their provision of eligible TRS minutes during the present fund year."

" In the Matter of Provision of Improved Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order on Reconsideration), CC Docket 98-67, FCC 03-46, 18 FCC Rcd 4761, released March 14, 2003 This order resolves two petitions for reconsideration of the Declaratory Ruling and Second Further Notice of Rulemaking addressing certain telecommunications relay service issues. It also extend the previously granted one year waivers of the emergency call handling, voice carry over and speech-to-speech TRS mandatory minimum standards for five years for IP Relay providers. The Commission granted waivers of the 900 number services and hearing carry over TRS mandatory standards for a five year period for IP Relay providers. "

"In the Matter of Provision of Improved Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Declaratory Ruling and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making), CC Docket 98-67, FCC 02-121, 17 FCC Rcd 7779, released April 22, 2002, 67 FR 39863, published June 11, 2002 in Federal Register for Final Rule, 67 FR 39929, published June 11, 2002 in the Federal Register for proposed rule The Commission authorizes Internet Protocol relay service as a recognizable TRS service. The Commission finds that IP Relay falls within the statutory definition of TRS and those IP Relay providers are eligible to recover their costs in accordance with Section 225 of the Communications Act of 1934."

"Commission Seeks Comment on Classifying Internet Protocol Telecommunications Relay Service Calls as Interstate or Interstate for Compensation, (Public Notice), CC Docket No. 98-67, DA 02-1426, 17 FCC Rcd, 11,255, released June 17, 2002 The Commission seeks public comment on whether the Commission should attempt to devise a method for allocating IP Relay calls as intrastate or interstate."

"FCC Authorizes Recovery of Costs for New Technology for TRS Users, Seeks Comment on Methods for Allocating Calls as Interstate or Intrastate, (News Release), CC Docket 98-67, released April 18, 2002 Announcing that providers for Internet Protocol (IP) relay service are eligible for reimbursement from the interstate Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS) fund, according to the FCC. The decision paves the way for increased use of TRS by all Americans who will now be only a mouse click away from this important disability access service. "

"In the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking portion, we inquire as to whether recovery of costs from the Interstate TRS Fund for IP Relay should be a temporary or a permanent measure.  If this should be a temporary measure, we request comment from the public on how IP Relay providers can develop the capability to determine whether a call is intrastate or interstate."


National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) Submits the Payment Formula and Fund Size Estimate for Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund for July 2005 through June 2006, (Public Notice), CC Docket No. 98-67, DA 05-1175, released April 28, 2005. On April 25, 2005, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 64.604©(5)(iii)(H), the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator, submitted its annual payment formula and fund size estimate for the Interstate TRS Fund for the period July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. NECA proposes a carrier contribution factor of 0.00528, and a fund size requirement of $413.3 million. NECA proposes per completed minute compensation rates of $1.312 for traditional TRS and for Internet Protocol (IP) Relay; $1.579 for Speech-to-Speech (STS); and $5.924 for Video Relay Service (VRS).

"In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), DA 04-1999, CC Docket 98-67, 19 FCC Rcd 12224, released June 30, 2004. On May 3, 2004, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. (NECA), the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator, filed its annual Interstate TRS Fund Payment Formula and Fund Size Estimate for the period of July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2005. NECA proposes TRS provider compensation rates of $1.349 per-minute for interstate traditional TRS and interstate and intrastate Internet Protocol (IP) Relay, $1.440 per-minute for interstate Speech-to-Speech Service (STS), and $7.293 per-minute for interstate and intrastate Video Relay Service (VRS). Based on these figures, NECA also proposes a total fund size requirement of $289,352,701, and a carrier contribution factor of 0.00356, for July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005, fund year."

" FCC Reminds Public of Requirements Regarding Internet Relay Service and Issues Alert, (Public Notice), DA 04-1738, 19 FCC Rcd 10,740, released June 18, 2004 The FCC has recently received several inquires concerning the appropriate use of IP Relay Service, a form of TRS, and issues this Public Notice to provide guidance to consumers, TRS providers, and merchants that conducts business via telephone. In addition, this Public Notice is intended to alert the public regarding the fraudulent use of IP Relay Service, and to suggest steps they can take to avoid becoming victims."

"National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) Submits the Payment Formula and Fund Size Estimate for Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund for July 2004 through June 2005, (Public Notice), CC Docket 98-67, DA 04-1258, 19 FCC Rcd 8144, released May 4, 2004 On May 3, 2004, pursuant to 47 C.F.R Section 64.605(c)(5)(iii)(H), the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), the present Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator, submitted the annual payment formula and fund size estimated for the Interstate TRS Fund for the period July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005. NECA proposes a carrier contribution factor of 0.00356, and a fund size requirement of $289.4 million. NECA proposes per complete minute compensation rates of: $1.349 for traditional TRS and for Internet Protocol (IP) Relay; $1.440 for Speech-to-Speech (STS); and $7.293 for Video Relay Service (VRS). "

In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), CC Docket No. 98-67, DA 03-2111, 18 FCC Rcd 12823, released June 30, 2003 On May 1, 2003, NECA, the Interstate TRS Fund Administrator, filed its annual Interstate TRS Fund Payment Formula and Fund Size Estimate for the period of July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004. As subsequently amended, NECA proposes TRS provider compensation rates of $1.368, per-minute for interstate traditional TRS and interstate and intrastate IP Relay, $2.445 per-minute for interstate STS, and $14.023 per-minute for VRS. Based on these figures, NECA also proposes a carrier contribution factor of 0.00169 and a total fund size requirement of $130,686,169. As set forth, the Order approves, on an interim basis, the proposed TRS provider compensation rates for traditional TRS and IP Relay, as well as for STS. The Order modifies, however, the proposed TRS compensation rate for VRS by establishing and interim cost recovery rate of $7.751 per-minute. As a result, the Order also modifies the proposed carrier contribution factor and the proposed fund size, which shall be 0.00149 and $115,455,570, respectively.

"Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Reporting Requirement for Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Providers Approved by the Office of Management and Budget, (Public Notice), CC Docket 98-67, DA 03-3181, 18 FCC Rcd 21,025, released October 15, 2003 OMB has approved for three years the annual reporting requirement for IP Relay providers to submit a report to the FCC detailing the technical developments that have occurred to enable IP Relay providers to meet the TRS mandatory minimum standards waived in the Order on Reconsideration, FCC 03-46, released March 14, 2003."

"National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) Submits the Payment Formula and Fund Size Estimate For Interstate Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS) Fund for July 2003 through June 2004, (Public Notice), CC Docket 98-67, DA 03-1491, 18 FCC Rcd, 9133, released May 2, 2003 On May 1, 2003, NECA submitted the payment formula and fund size estimated for the Interstate TRS Fund for the period July 1, 2003 through June 2004. NECA proposes a carrier contribution factor of 0.0017, and a fund size requirement of $131.8 million. NECA also proposes a reimbursement rate of $1.359 for traditional TRS and for IP Relay per completed conversation minute. NECA proposes a STS reimbursement rate of $2.445 per completed conversation minute, and VRS reimbursement rate of $14.644 per completed conversation minute. "

"Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Advisory Council Files Proposed Guidelines for the Recovery of Costs Associated with Internet Protocol Relay Services, (Public Notice), CC Docket 98-67, DA 02-3409, 17 FCC Rcd 24,812, released December 13, 2002 In this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on proposed guidelines for the recovery of costs from the Interstate Fund associated with Internet Protocol TRS. The Interstate TRS Fund Advisory Council filed the proposed guidelines with the Commission on October 9, 2002, in accordance with the Commission's direction in the April 2002 Declaratory Ruling and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. "

  Released: 10/15/2003. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION'S (FCC) REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) RELAY PROVIDERS APPROVED BY THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. (DA No. 03-3181). (Dkt No 98-67) The Office of Management and Budget has approved for three years the annual reporting requirement for IP Relay providers. CGB. Contact: Dana Jackson or Janet Sievert at (202) 418-2517, TTY: (202) 418-7898, FCC 10/17/2003
 

Released: 06/29/2001
Dkt No 98-67		 Comments Due: 07/30/2001. 
Reply Comments Due: 08/20/2001		 Closed

Provision of Improved Telecom Relay Service
"In this Declaratory Ruling, we address a Petition for Clarification (Petition) filed by WorldCom, Inc. (WorldCom) on December 22, 2000.   In its Petition, WorldCom explains its Internet protocol relay service (IP Relay) offering, and requests that the Commission clarify that IP Relay is eligible for reimbursement from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)  Fund.  For the reasons discussed below, we find that IP Relay falls within the statutory definition of TRS and that such services are eligible to recover their costs in accordance with Section 225 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act).   Because there is currently no automatic means for determining whether a call made via IP Relay is intrastate or interstate, we authorize, on an interim basis, recovery of all costs of providing IP Relay from the Interstate TRS Fund.   Additionally, from the effective date of this order, to the extent indicated herein, we grant WorldCom a waiver of certain TRS minimum standards.  In addition, we grant the same waiver of TRS minimum standards to all other current and potential IP Relay providers, for the same periods of time indicated herein, beginning on the date of the release of the Declaratory Ruling. "

Section 255 of the Communications Act, as Amended

See Sec. 255 VoIP on Sec. 255 NOI on Internet Telephony

  •  In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, CC Docket No. 98-67, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,  88 (March 6, 2000) | Text | Word | (we conclude that section 225 does not prohibit us from requiring relay services to accommodate enhanced or information services)
    • Section 255 is an obligation of Common Carriers (telephone companies).  They are required pursuant to Sec 255 and FCC rules to provide relay services for the disabled that can convert TYY - text messaging - so that the disabled can communicate with the speaking world that is not using TYY.  By this Order, the FCC is indicating that not only should carriers who have or fund TRS (telecommunications relay services) centers be prepared to converty TYY text messaging, but they should also be prepared to covert any enhanced or information services as well.  Could this mean that TRS centers must convert e-mails and IRC?
    • FCC Disabilities Rights Office TRS Webpage

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