2008 TRS History

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-45, adopted January 8, 2008, released January 8, 2008.

The Commission grants Snap Telecommunications, Inc.'s (Snap) and Verizon's request for a temporary waiver of the speed dialing requirement for Video Relay Service (VRS). Consequently, the Commission extends the waiver of the speed dialing requirement for VRS providers through April 30, 2008.

  • Applications for Certification as Certified State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Programs Filed; Pleading Cycle Established for Comment on Applications, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-60, released January 10, 2008.

Notice is hereby given that the states listed below have applied to the Commission for renewal of the certification of their State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) program pursuant to Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 47 U.S.C. § 225, and the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 64.601-605. Current state certifications expire July 25, 2008. Applications for certification, covering the five year period from July 26, 2008 to July 25, 2013, must demonstrate that the state TRS program complies with Section 225 and the Commission's rules governing the provision of TRS. The notice seeks public comment on the following state applications for certification, which can be found on the Commission's website at https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/trs_by_state.html:

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Saipan, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

  • 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 Internet TRS Fund, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 08-15, DA 08-292, released February 4, 2008.

The Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau seeks comment on Hawk Relay, LLC's December 21, 2007 Request for Clarification that Internet Protocol Speech-to-Speech Relay Service (IP STS) is a form of TRS eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund. In addition, assuming that IP STS qualifies as a TRS under section 225(a)(3) of the Communications Act of 1934, the Bureau seeks comment on the jurisdictional separation of cost, the applicability of the TRS mandatory minimum standards, and on any other issues relevant to the provision of IP STS.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-303, adopted February 6, 2008, released February 6, 2008.

The Order adopts a revised Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund size and carrier contribution factor for the July 2007 to June 2008 Fund year. As set forth, the revised Fund size is $636,736,491.75, and the revised carrier contribution factor is 0.00819.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-312, adopted February 7, 2008, released February 7, 2008.

The Order grants a request to stay the effectiveness of paragraph 95 and 96 of the 2007 TRS Cost Recovery Declaratory Ruling, which restrict telecommunications relay service (TRS) providers from using consumer or call databases to contact TRS users. For the reasons set forth herein, the Commission finds that good cause has been shown to stay the effectiveness of these paragraphs for 90 days, starting the date of release of the Order, pending further Commission review.

  • Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Clarifies the Eligibility Requirement for Compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund for Providers of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-478, released February 28, 2008.

In the January 2007 IP CTS Declaratory Ruling, the Commission recognized Internet Protocol (IP) captioned telephone service (IP CTS) as a form of telecommunications relay service (TRS) eligible for compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund). 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. To establish such eligibility, IP CTS providers must either: (1) seek certification from the Commission pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 64.605; (2) become part of a certified state program; or (3) subcontract with an entity that is part of a certified state program. CGB also clarifies that an IP CTS provider seeking compensation from the Fund must notify the Interstate TRS Fund administrator 30 days prior to the date they submit minutes for payment.

  • 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, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-607, released March 19, 2008.

By this 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.

  • 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), CG Docket No. 03-123 and WC Docket No. 05-196, FCC 08-78, adopted March 11, 2008, released March 19, 2008.

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.

  • 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, (Order), WC Docket No. 04-36, WT Docket No. 96-198, CG Docket No. 03-123, and CC Docket No. 92-105, DA 08-821, adopted April 4, 2008, released April 4, 2008.

In this Order, the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) extends and modifies the waivers granted in the October 2007 Order and Notice as they apply to interconnected VoIP providers and traditional TRS providers. First, the Bureau grants interconnected VoIP providers a waiver until March 31, 2009, of the requirement to route 711-dialed calls to an appropriate relay center, but only in the context of 711-dialed calls in which the calling party's telephone number may not reflect his or her geographic location (because the caller is using a "non-geographically relevant" telephone number or a "nomadic" interconnected VoIP service). In doing so, the Bureau grants, to the extent described herein, the petition for extension of time filed by Qwest Communications Corporation. Second, the Bureau grants traditional TRS providers an extension of time, until March 31, 2009, to fulfill their obligation to implement a system to automatically and immediately call an appropriate PSAP when receiving an emergency 711-dialed call via an interconnected VoIP service. During the pendency of these waivers, TRS providers that cannot automatically and immediately route to an appropriate PSAP the outbound leg of an emergency 711-dialed call placed via TTY by an interconnected VoIP user, as required by section 64.604(a)(4), must implement a manual system for doing so, to the extent feasible, that accomplishes the proper routing of emergency 711-dialed calls as efficiently as possible.

  • FCC to Hold Workshop on Solutions For Implementing Ten-Digit Telephone Numbering For Internet-Based Telecommunications Relay Services On April 29, 2008, (News Release), released April 4, 2008.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it will hold a stakeholder workshop on solutions for implementing a ten-digit numbering plan for the Internet-based forms of telecommunications relay service (TRS), including Video Relay Service (VRS) and IP Relay. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, and will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will continue into the afternoon. The workshop will take into account consumer perspectives, and will address technical and operational issues relating to the implementation and administration of a ten-digit numbering plan linked to the North American Numbering Plan for Internet-based TRS services.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Erratum), CG Docket No. 03-123 and WC Docket No. 05-196, released April 8, 2008.

On March 19, 2008, the Commission released a Report and Order, (FCC 08-78), in the above-captioned proceeding. This Erratum corrects the Report and Order as follows:

  • First sentence of paragraph 3 in Appendix B is amended to read as follows: Current Sections 64.605, 64.606, 64.607, and 64.608 are re-designated as Sections 64.606, 64.607, 64.608, and 64.609, respectively, and a new Section 64.605 is added as follows:
  • In the text of Sections 64.603(a), 64.603(b), 64.604(c)(5)(ii), 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(F)(1), 64.604(c)(5)(iii)(F)(4), 64.604(c)(6)(i), and 64.604(c)(6)(iii)(B), replace the internal cross references to "§ 64.605" with "§ 64.606."
  • In the text of the newly re-designated Section 64.609, replace the internal cross reference to "§§ 64.606 and 64.607" with "§§ 64.607 and 64.608.

 

  • FCC Releases Agenda for April 29, 2008, Stakeholder Workshop on Ten-Digit Numbering Solutions for Internet-Based Telecommunications Relay Services, (News Release), released April 23, 2008.

The Commission has released the agenda for the April 29, 2008, Stakeholder Workshop on solutions for implementing a ten-digit numbering plan for Internet-based forms of telecommunications relay service (TRS), including Video Relay Service (VRS) and IP Relay. The Stakeholder Workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at FCC Headquarters, 445 12th St., SW, Washington, DC. The agenda is attached.

Participants will include industry stakeholders, consumer advocates, technical experts, and emergency call handling representatives. The Stakeholder Workshop is open to the public and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Stakeholder Workshop will be webcast live and also archived for later viewing. Access to the webcast, and additional information concerning the webcast, is available at https://www.fcc.gov/realaudio/. Open captioning will be provided for the webcast. During the workshop, the public can e-mail questions for the participants to numberingworkshop@fcc.gov.

  • National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) Submits the Payment Formula and Fund Size Estimate for the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund for the July 2008 Through June 2009 Fund Year, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-1055, released May 2, 2008.

On May 1, 2008, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 64.604(c)(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, 2008, through June 30, 2009.

NECA proposes per minute compensation rates based on the new rate calculation methodologies established in the 2007 TRS Rate Methodology Order. These calculations result in the following proposed rates: $1.5938 for interstate traditional TRS; $2.7248 for interstate Speech-to-Speech (STS); $1.6569 for interstate captioned telephone service (CTS) and interstate and intrastate Internet Protocol (IP) captioned telephone service (IP CTS); $1.2865 for interstate and intrastate IP Relay; and tiered rates of $6.7362 for the first 50,000 monthly minutes, $6.4675 for monthly minutes between 50,001 and 500,000, and $6.2685 for minutes above 500,000 for interstate and intrastate Video Relay Service (VRS).

Based on these rates, NECA proposes a carrier contribution factor of 0.01012, and a Fund size requirement of $805.5 million.

The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau seeks comment on NECA's proposed compensation rates for traditional TRS, STS, CTS and IP CTS, IP Relay, and VRS for the period of July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009, as well as the proposed carrier contribution factor and Fund size requirement.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; Request for Stay Pending Judicial Review, (Order), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-1079, Adopted May 6, 2008, released May 6, 2008.

In paragraphs 95 and 96 of the 2007 TRS Cost Recovery Declaratory Ruling, the Commission restricted telecommunications relay service (TRS) providers from using consumer or call databases to contact TRS users. On February 7, 2008, the Commission's Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) granted a request to stay the effectiveness of these paragraphs for 90 days, pending further Commission review. In this Order, the Bureau extends the stay of paragraphs 95 and 96, which is set to expire after May 7, 2008, until May 28, 2008, to afford the Commission sufficient time to complete its review of this matter.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Declaratory Ruling), CG Docket No. 03-123, FCC 08-138, adopted May 28, 2008, released May 28, 2008.

In the Declaratory Ruling, the Commission finds that the clarifications set forth above will help ensure that the limits of the federal TRS program are observed, without placing undue restrictions on provider-user communications. In particular, by prohibiting the use of consumer or call database information that is obtained through the provision of federally funded relay services, and the use of funds obtained from the Interstate TRS Fund for purposes unrelated to the handling of relay calls, the Commission concludes that the restrictions on provider-user communications, as clarified herein, will better serve the goals of the Interstate TRS Fund without interfering with day-to-day contacts between providers and consumers that are necessary to the proper handling of relay calls.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; Speech-to-Speech and Internet Protocol (IP) Speech-to-Speech Telecommunications Relay Services, (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking), CG Docket Nos. 03-123 and 08-15, FCC-08-149, adopted June 11, 2008, released June 24, 2008.

In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice), the Commission seeks comment on several issues concerning the provision of Speech-to-Speech (STS), a form of telecommunications relay service (TRS). First, the Commission seeks comment on whether it should amend the TRS regulations to require that the CA handling an STS call stay with the call for a minimum of 20 minutes. Second, the Commission seeks comment on whether the Commission should amend its TRS rules to require that STS providers offer the STS user the option of having her or his voice muted so that the other party to the call would only hear the STS CA re-voicing the call, not the voice of the STS user as well. Finally, the Commission seeks comment on ways we can ensure that STS users calling 711, the nationwide access code for state relay providers, will promptly reach an STS CA to handle their calls, including, for example, requiring TRS providers to use an interactive menu that allows the user to reach an STS CA as the first option.

In addition, the Commission seeks comment on various issues with respect to Internet Protocol (IP) STS (IP STS). In December 2007, Hawk Relay filed a request for clarification that IP STS is a form of TRS eligible for compensation from the Fund. The Commission tentatively concludes that IP STS is a form of TRS compensable from the Fund. The Commission seeks comment on this tentative conclusion, and related issues relevant to the provision, regulation, and compensation of IP STS.

  • In the Matter of 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 and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking), CG Docket No. 03-123, WC Docket No. 05-196, FCC-08-151, adopted June 11, 2008, released June 24, 2008.

In this Report and Order (Order), the Commission adopts 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 the Commission adopts 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, the Commission requires 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), the Commission seeks comment on additional issues relating to the assignment and administration of ten-digit telephone numbers for Internet-based TRS.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-1476, adopted and released June 24, 2008.

On May 1, 2008, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. (NECA), the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator, filed its annual Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Fund Payment Formula and Fund Size Estimate for the period of July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009. In its filing, NECA proposes the following rates: $1.5938 per minute for interstate traditional TRS; $2.7248 per minute for interstate Speech-to-Speech (STS); $1.6569 per minute for interstate captioned telephone service (CTS) and intrastate and interstate Internet Protocol (IP) captioned telephone service (IP CTS); $1.2865 per minute for intrastate and interstate IP Relay; and tiered rates of $6.7362 for the first 50,000 monthly minutes, $6.4675 for monthly minutes between 50,001 and 500,000, and $6.2685 for minutes above 500,000 for intrastate and interstate Video Relay Service (VRS). Based on these rates, NECA proposes a carrier contribution factor of 0.01012, and a Fund size requirement of approximately $805.5 million. As set forth, the Commission adopts the proposed rates, carrier contribution factor, and Interstate TRS Fund (Fund) size.

  • Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Clarifies the Transferability of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Provider Certification, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-1589, released July 3, 2008.

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).

  • Notice of Certification of State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Programs, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-1673, released July 16, 2008.

Notice is hereby given that the applications for certification of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) programs of the states listed below have been granted, pursuant to Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 47 U.S.C. § 225(f)(2), and section 64.606(b) of the Commission's rules. On the basis of the state applications, the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau has determined that: (1) the TRS program of the states meet or exceed all operational; technical, and functional minimum standards contained in section 64.604 of the Commission's rules; (2) the TRS programs of the listed states make available adequate procedures and remedies for enforcing the requirements of the state program; and (3) the TRS program of the listed states in no way conflict with federal law.

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

This certification, as conditioned herein, shall remain in effect for a five year period, beginning July 26, 2008, and ending July 25, 2013, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 64.606(c). One year prior to the expiration of this certification, July 25, 2012, the states may apply for renewal of their TRS programs certification by filing documentation in accordance with the Commission's rules, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. §§ 64.606(a) and (b).

  • Commission Releases Request For Quotation For Contractor To Build And Operate Centralized Database For Internet Based Telecommunications Relay Service Numbering System, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123 and WC Docket No. 05-196, DA 08-1788, released July 29, 2008.

On June 24, 2008, the Commission released a Report and Order (Order)adopting a system for assigning North American Number Plan (NANP) ten-digit telephone numbers to Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) users. In the Order, the Commission determined that a neutral third-party administrator will build, maintain, and operate a centralized numbering directory mechanism to map the NANP telephone numbers assigned to Internet-based TRS users to an appropriate Internet address (or other appropriate endpoint identifier). As set forth in the Order, the neutral database administrator must be selected, and must construct the database, work with industry to populate the database, test the functionality of the database, and be prepared to support ten-digit numbers for Internet-based TRS users no later than December 31, 2008.

On June 25, 2008, the Commission posted a Sources Sought Announcement on the Government Wide Point of Entry (FedBizOpps), seeking a contractor capable of implementing and operating the centralized numbering directory.

Based on the results of the Sources Sought Announcement, on July 28, 2008, the Commission posted a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation as a Request for Quotation (Solicitation Number: RFQ08000022) on FedBizOpps, available at https://www.fbo.gov. Responses to the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation must be e-mailed to Arnett Rogiers, Administrative Operations, Office of the Managing Director, arnett.rogiers@fcc.gov on August 11, 2008 by 12:00 pm. Any questions regarding the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation must be e-mailed to Arnett Rogiers by 5:00 pm EDT August 1, 2008. For further information, refer to the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, available at https://www.fbo.gov.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers, (Order), CG Docket No. 03-123 and WC Docket No. 05-196, FCC 08-210, adopted September 15, 2008, released September 19, 2008.

On July 11, 2008, Sorenson Communications, Inc. (Sorenson) filed a petition for limited waiver of interim section 64.605(c) so that Sorenson may - prior to December 31, 2008 - deliver to the appropriate emergency response authorities, at the outset of the outbound leg of an emergency VRS call, the caller's North American Numbering Plan (NANP) callback number, when known to Sorenson, rather than the CA's callback number. Based on the Commission's finding that the approach described by Sorenson appears to represent a more efficient method of ensuring that emergency response personnel can re-establish contact with an emergency caller whose call has become disconnected, and because this approach more closely approximates the callback information that the Commission has determined providers must transmit under its final emergency call handling rules for Internet-based forms of TRS, the Commission finds good cause exists to grant the limited waiver of interim section 64.605(c) that is requested by Sorenson. This waiver shall apply to all VRS providers. The Commission also reiterates its requirement that VRS providers implement a system to ensure that all incoming emergency calls (including callbacks from emergency personnel) are answered by the provider before non-emergency calls.

  • Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Modifies Cost Submission Timeframes Associated with Implementation of the Numbering System for Internet-Based Telecommunications Relay Services, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123 and WC Docket No. 05-196, DA 08-2130, released September 22, 2008

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.

  • Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on Petition of Sorenson Communications, Inc. for Limited Waiver, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123 and WC Docket No. 05-196, DA 08-2255, released October 8, 2008.

On September 30, 2008, Sorenson Communications, Inc. (Sorenson) filed a petition for limited waiver of the Federal Communications Commission's (Commission's) prohibition on the use of "proxy" and "alias" numbers set for in the June 24, 2008 Internet-based TRS Order. Sorenson argues that the limited waiver of the Commission's prohibition is necessary to minimize any disruption to users of video relay service as they transition to ten-digit, North American Number Plan (NANP) telephone numbers. Specifically, Sorenson seeks to allow its users to continue to receive calls dialed using proxy or alias numbers for a period of one year after the user has received a ten-digit, NANP telephone number. Comments are due October 15, 2008, and reply comments are due October 21, 2008.

  • Notice of Certification of GoAmerica, Inc., as a Provider of Internet Protocol Captioning Telephone Service (IP CTS) Eligible for Compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, (Public Notice), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-2514, released November 14, 2008.

On May 1, 2008, GoAmerica, Inc. (GoAmerica) filed an application for certification as a provider of Internet Protocol Captioning Telephone Service (IP CTS) eligible for compensation from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund (Fund) pursuant to the TRS provider certification rules. GoAmerica's application is granted.

The Commission has reviewed the GoAmerica Application pursuant to these rules. The Commission concludes that GoAmerica has sufficiently demonstrated that its provision of IP CTS will meet or exceed all operational, technical, and functional TRS standards set forth in the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 64.604; that it makes available adequate procedures and remedies for ensuring compliance with applicable Commission rules; and that to the extent GoAmerica's service differs from the mandatory minimum standards, the service does not violate the rules.

The Commission grants GoAmerica's application subject to compliance with applicable TRS rules. This certification shall remain in effect for a period of five years from the release date of the Public Notice. Within ninety days prior to the expiration of this certification, GoAmerica may apply for renewal of its IP CTS provider certification by filing documentation in accordance with the Commission's rules.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers, (Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration), CG Docket No. 03-123, CC Docket No. 98-67, and WC Docket No. 05-196, FCC 08-275, adopted December 19, 2008, released December 19, 2008.

73 FR 79683, December 30, 2008.

In the Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration (Order), the Commission addressed several issues relating to our June 24, 2008 Internet-based TRS Order, in which it adopted a system to assign users of Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS), specifically Video Relay Service (VRS) and Internet-Protocol (IP) Relay, ten-digit numbers linked to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The Commission determined that the numbering system will ensure that VRS and IP Relay users (collectively "Internet-based TRS users") can be called in the same manner that voice telephone users are called - using a standard ten-digit telephone number - and that emergency calls placed by Internet-based TRS users will be routed directly and automatically to appropriate emergency services authorities by the Internet-based TRS providers. The Commission mandated that the new numbering and emergency call handling plan be implemented by December 31, 2008.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Order), CG Docket No. 03-123, DA 08-2808, adopted December 24, 2008, released December 24, 2008.

In the Order, the Commission extends the waivers of certain telecommunications relay services (TRS) mandatory minimum standards for Video Relay Services (VRS) and Internet Protocol Relay Service (IP Relay) that will expire on January 1, 2009 pursuant to the 2007 TRS Waiver Order. Specifically, the Commission extends the waivers for one year until January 1, 2010, conditioned upon the filing of a status report due April 16, 2009, of the following requirements: (1) one-line Voice Carry Over (VCO), VCO-to-TTY, and VCO-to-VCO; (2) one-line Hearing Carry Over (HCO), HCO-to-TTY, and HCO-to-HCO; (3) call release; (4) pay-per-call (900) calls; (5) types of calls; (6) equal access to interexchange carrier; (7) Speech-to-Speech (STS). The Commission grants a limited extension of the waiver of the speed dialing requirement for IP Relay until March 1, 2009.

Bureau/Office:
Consumer and Governmental Affairs