Cybertelecom Federal Internet Law & Policy An Educational Project

Accessibility: FCC Proceedings

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

• This is a long and involved proceeding. For an excellent history see FCC's TRS History Docket

• Petition for Rulemaking Filed Concerning Mandating Captioned Telephone Relay Service and Authorizing Internet Protocol (IP) Captioned Telephone Relay Service Public Notice "On October 31, 2005, a Petition for Rulemaking to Mandate Captioned Telephone Relay Service and Approve IP Captioned Telephone Relay Service was filed by 13 organizations generally representing consumer advocates and persons with hearing or speech disabilities. The petition asks the Commission to initiate a rulemaking for the purpose of making captioned telephone service a mandatory form of TRS and approving IP captioned telephone service as eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund" 14-Nov-08
• Modifies Cost Submission Timeframes Associated with Implementation of the Numbering System for Internet-Based Telecommunications Relay Services Public Notice "In the Public Notice, the Commission modified the filing timeframes in which Video Relay Service (VRS) and Internet Protocol (IP) Relay providers requesting compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund) must submit their initial filing for costs associated with implementing the requirements of the June 24, 2008, Numbering Order. Specifically, VRS and IP Relay providers must submit their initial filing by January 30, 2009, for the period of June 24, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Further, VRS and IP Relay providers subsequently must submit costs 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, as set forth in more detail outlined in the Public Notice, for costs incurred during the preceding quarter. " 22-Sep-08
• COMMISSION AWARDS CONTRACT TO NEUSTAR, INC. TO BUILD AND OPERATE CENTRALIZED DATABASE FOR INTERNET-BASED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE NUMBERING SYSTEM, FCC 9/16/2008
• 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 |
• Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Clarifies the Transferability of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Provider Certification Public Notice "The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) has received requests for guidance concerning the transferability of Federal Communications Commission (Commission) certification of Internet-based TRS providers as eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund), pursuant to the provider certification rules contained in section 64.605 of the Commission's rules. The Bureau clarifies that such certification is not transferable. Therefore, in the event that an entity not certified pursuant to section 64.605 purchases, acquires, or merges with another TRS provider, the acquiring or surviving provider must be certified under section 64.605 (or otherwise eligible for compensation from the Fund) before it can receive payments from the Fund. On the other hand, if an entity that is certified pursuant to section 64.605 purchases, acquires, or merges with another TRS provider, the acquiring or surviving provider need only notify the Commission of the change in its TRS program and provision of service within 60 days pursuant to section 64.605(f)(2). " 3-Jul-08
• 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 |
• 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 Public Notice "the Commission seeks to refresh the record on the numbering issue identified in the Interoperability FNPRM, which was released on May 9, 2006, regarding feasibility of establishment of a ten-digit telephone numbering system for Video Relay Service. Specifically, the Commission seeks to ensure that the record reflects current viewpoints and any recent technical, economic, and administrative developments relevant to establishing a numbering system for IP-based TRS." 18-Apr-08
• 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
• Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities,; E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers Report and Order "Because of the importance of emergency call handling for all Americans, in the Report and Order, the Commission adopts interim emergency call handling requirements for Internet-based TRS providers. These measures will ensure that persons using Internet-based forms of TRS can promptly access emergency services pending the development of a technological solution that will permit Internet-based TRS providers to automatically determine the geographic location of the consumer and place the outbound leg of an emergency call to an appropriate PSAP, designated statewide default answering point, or appropriate local emergency authority. These actions reinforce the Commission's longstanding and continuing commitment to make available a nationwide communications system that promotes the safety and welfare of all Americans, including individuals with hearing and speech disabilities. " 19-Mar-08
• FCC E911 Disability Access Summit (DA 06-1908) 11.15.6 PN
• Clarifies the Eligibility Requirement for Compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund for Providers of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service Public Notice "Because the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) has received questions concerning the manner in which IP CTS providers may be eligible for compensation from the Fund, CGB issues this clarification." 28-Feb-08
• Requestion for Clarification that Internet Speech to Speech is a form of TRS

  • DA 08-292 Released: February 4, 2008 On December 21, 2007, Hawk Relay, LLC (Hawk Relay) filed a request for clarification that Internet Protocol Speech-to-Speech Relay Service (IP STS) is a form of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund. In its Request , Hawk Relay describes IP STS as a type of Speech-to-Speech service (STS) that uses the Internet , rather than a traditional telephone line, to connect the consumer to the relay provider. STS enables persons with a speech disability to make telephone calls using their own voice through relay centers with specially trained communications assistants who re-voice to the calling party what the STS user says.
  • Comments Due after Fed Reg publication

  Released: 02/04/2008. CONSUMER & GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION THAT INTERNET PROTOCOL SPEECH TO SPEECH SERVICE IS A FORM OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE COMPENSABLE FROM THE INTERSTATE TRS FUND. (DA No. 08-292). (Dkt No 08-15). CGB. Contact: Gregory Hlibok at (800) 311-4381 (voice), email: Gregory.Hlibok@fcc.gov , TTY: (202) 418-0431 < http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-08-292A1.doc > < http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-08-292A1.pdf > < http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-08-292A1.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, Telecommunications Equipment and Customer Premises Equipment by Persons with Disabilities; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; The Use of N11 Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements Order and NPRM "In this Order (Order), the Commission grants in part and deny in part several petitions for waiver relating to the Commission's recent VoIP TRS Order. In that order, the Commission extended the telecommunications relay service (TRS) requirements contained in Part 64 of the Commission's rules to providers of interconnected voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Among the requirements extended to interconnected VoIP providers is the obligation to offer 711 abbreviated dialing access to traditional relay services via a voice telephone or a text telephone (TTY). The petitions for waiver raise issues concerning (1) the ability of an interconnected VoIP provider to route the inbound leg of a 711 call to an appropriate TRS provider, particularly when the caller's telephone number does not correspond to the caller's actual location, and (2) the ability of a TRS provider that receives, via an interconnected VoIP service, a 711 call concerning an emergency to determine an appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to call. As set forth herein, the Commission recognizes that in certain circumstances there are technical challenges to the ability of interconnected VoIP providers to route 711 calls to an appropriate relay center. Similarly, the Commission recognizes that in certain circumstances TRS providers receiving 711 emergency calls via an interconnected VoIP service may not be able to determine an appropriate PSAP to call in compliance with the TRS emergency call handling requirements. As a result, the Commission waives for six months the requirement set forth in the VoIP TRS Order that interconnected VoIP providers must transmit 711 calls to an appropriate relay provider, as defined below. The Commission also waive for six months traditional TRS providers' obligation to call to an appropriate PSAP when receiving, via interconnected VoIP service, a 711 call concerning an emergency. Further, in the Public Notice, the Commission seeks comment on the petitions for stay and/or waiver. """ 9-Oct-07
• 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, Telecommunications Equipment and Customer Premises Equipment by Persons with Disabilities; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; The Use of N11 Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements Report and Order VoIP Providers also Required to Contribute to the Interstate TRS Fund and Offer 711 Access 31-May-07
• Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities Declaratory Ruling "In the Declaratory Ruling, the Commission grants a request for clarification that Internet Protocol (IP) captioned telephone relay service (IP captioned telephone service or IP CTS) is a type of telecommunications relay service (TRS) eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund when offered in compliance with the applicable TRS mandatory minimum standards. The Commission also grants the request that all IP CTS calls be compensated from the Interstate TRS Fund until such time as the Commission adopts jurisdictional separation costs for this service. The Commission conditions its approval on Ultratec's representation that it will continue to license its captioned telephone technologies, including technologies relating to IP CTS, as reasonable rates. " 11-Jan-07
• Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service Eligible for Compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund News Release "The Commission adopted a Declaratory Ruling finding that Internet Protocol (IP) captioned telephone service (IP CTS) is a type of telecommunications relay service (TRS) eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund. The Commission acted in response to a petition by Ultratec, Inc., that was widely supported by the disability community." 20-Dec-06
• Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities FNPRM "In this FNPRM, the Commission addresses the misuse of the two Internet-based forms of TRS, Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service and Video Relay Service (VRS), and seek comment on possible changes to the TRS regulations to curtail their misuse. " 6-May-06
• Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities NPRM "In the NPRM, the Commission addresses the issue of access to emergency services for Internet-based forms of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS), namely Video Relay Service (VRS) and Internet Protocol (IP) Relay. The Commission seeks comment on ways in which it may ensure that the communication assistant (CA) will be able to call the appropriate PSAP when a VRS or IP Relay user calls the relay provider and asks the CA to call emergency services. The Commission also seeks comment on whether, and if so, how requirements ensuring that persons using VRS and IP Relay will have access to emergency services might affect the TRS funding mechanism." 30-Nov-05
• Provision of Improved Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities Order on Recon 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). 9-Mar-05
• IP TRS FNPRM FNPRM on IP TRS: 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. 29-Feb-04
• FCC Reporting Requirement for Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Providers Approved by the Office of Management and Budget PN "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. " 15-Oct-03
• Provision of Improved Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities Declaratory Ruling & FNPRM 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. 22-Apr-02

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
 

• Declaratory Ruling  Word | Text | Adobe

  FCC AUTHORIZES RECOVERY OF COSTS FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR TRS USERS. Seeks Comment on Methods for Allocating Calls as Interstate or Intrastate. News Release. (Dkt No 98-67). Adopted: 04/18/2002. News Media Contact: Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0511 CGB. Contact Pam Gregory at (202) 418-2498 (voice) and (202) 418-1169 (TTY)
   

  CONSUMER INFORMATION BUREAU SEEKS ADDITIONAL COMMENT ON THE PROVISION OF IMPROVED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE. (DA No. 01-1555). CIB.  Public Notice. Contact: Dana Jackson at (202) 418-2247, TTY: (202) 418-7898, Brian Millin at (202) 418-7426, TTY: (202) 418-7365, email: access@fcc.gov 

  TRS 47 USC s 225
  47 CFR ss 64.601-605

• Here come more FCC mandates for the disabled July 20, 2000 businessweek

• "FCC Alerts Public and Merchants of Fraudulent Credit Card Purchases Through Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service, a Form of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)" Public Notice "The FCC urges merchants to use caution in handling telephone orders for goods. Merchants that accept orders made by telephone for goods and services should take steps to ensure that, for any order placed by phone, the payment method or credit card is valid and the purchaser is authorized to use the particular credit card. In addition, there are some indicia of fraudulent telephone orders or business transactions that merchants can use to help determine if an order placed by phone is legitimate. These indicia include a caller who: (1)is happy to order "whatever you have in stock"; (2) supplies multiple credit cards as one or more are declined; (3) cannot provide the credit card verification code number (the three digit number on the back of the card); (4) wants the goods shipped through a third party and/or an overseas location; (5) will not identify himself or give a company name; (6) changes delivery or payment method after an order has been approved." 4-May-07
• 5/3/06 FCC Addresses Issue of Internet TRS Fraud. News Release: Word | Acrobat

  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

• FCC Reminds Public of Requirements Regarding Internet Relay Service and Issues Alert Public Notice "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." 18-Jun-04

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

Links

• FCC Disabilities Rights Office
  • FCC Technology Advisory Council which is, in part, looking into disabilities issues
  • FCC Consumer Disability Technology Advisory Committee  Website
  • Hearing Aid Compatibility 47 USC s 610, 47 CFR s 68.316
• WCOM IP Relay
• American Foundation for the Blind: Telecommunications
  

News

• FCC Warns Of IP Relay (TRS) Fraud - Fraud that the FCC never seems to crack down on...., dslreports 1/17/2008
• Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service Eligible for Compensation from Interstate TRS Fund (Order)., FCC 1/12/2007
• FCC Nov. 15 E911 Disability Access Summit Agenda, FCC 11/17/2006