Comments due: January 17, 2025
Reply Comments due: February 18, 2025
On December 3, 2024, the FCC released a Public Notice seeking comment on a White Paper discussing the transition of analog telecommunications relay services (TRS) (TTY Relay Service, Captioned Telephone Service, and Speech-to-Speech Relay Service) to Internet-Protocol-based alternatives (e.g., real-time text, Video Relay Service, Internet Protocol Relay Service, and Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service).
The White Paper explains that the transition of telecommunications services to IP-based networks has caused substantial changes to the use and demand for analog TRS, rendering some analog TRS obsolete for many users but still the solutions of choice for parts of the affected community. The White Paper suggests that alternative services need to become available because the transition from traditional analog communication systems to more advanced digital and IP-based networks is accelerating.
The White Paper calls on the FCC to facilitate the evaluation of replacement TRS solutions for analog TRS and to initiate proceedings to consider appropriate rule changes to implement modifications to the existing rules governing TRS.
Interested parties may file comments by accessing the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings. All filings must reference CG Docket No. 03-123. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online may request assistance by email to FCC504@fcc.gov.
Link to the Public Notice:
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-1209A1.pdf
Link to the White Paper:
https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/10812315813172/1
For general information about TRS, visit. https://www.fcc.gov/trs. For further information about this item, please contact William Wallace, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-2716, or William.Wallace@fcc.gov. Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432‐2275.