1997-1999 TRS History

  • FCC Launches Inquiry into Improving Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) for People with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Common Carrier Action), CC Docket No. 90-571, Report No. CC 97-3, released January 14, 1997

The Commission issues Notice of Inquiry seeking comment on the effectiveness of the current TRS program.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Telecommunications Act of 1996, (Notice of Inquiry), CC Docket 90-571, FCC 97-7, 12 FCC Rcd 1152, released January 14, 1997.

This Notice seek comment on the effectiveness of the current TRS program. It also seeks comments on new technologies and possible rule changes that could improve TRS.

  • FCC Creates New 311 Code for Non-Emergency Police Calls and 711 Code for Access to Telecommunications Relay Services. (Press Release), Report No CC-97-7, released February 19, 1997.

The Commission announces that it has made the abbreviation 711 available for TRS calls.

  • In the Matter of the Use of N11 Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements, (First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking), CC Docket No. 92-105, FCC 97-51, 12 FCC Rcd 5572, released February 19, 1997.

The Commission seeks information regarding the feasibility of implementing 711 for TRS access.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (Order Granting Extension of Time), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-415, 12 FCC Rcd 3523, released February 26, 1997.

The Commission granted United States Telephone Association's request for an extension of the filing deadline for the report on the industry team's proposed alternative plan for access to Coin Sent Paid phone service. The deadline was extended to March 12, 1997.

  • Comment Sought on Eighteen Month Report for Telecommunications Relay Services Coin Sent-Paid Calls, ( Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, released May 9, 1997.

A group of industry representatives filed two reports evaluating the effectiveness of an "alternative plan" designed to make payphones accessible to TRS users as required by the Common Carrier Bureau's Memorandum Opinion and Order. The industry representatives of the TRS Industry Team filed these status reports on August 26, 1996 and on March 12, 1997 which were filed twelve and eighteen months respectively after the Order. The TRS Industry Team recommends that the Commission make the alternative plan permanent.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Applications for State Certification and Renewal of current Certification Accepted until October 1, 1997, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-1321, 12 FCC Rcd 8336, released June 24, 1997.

Notice is hereby given that the Commission will accept applications for renewal of state TRS program certifications from July 26, 1997 to October 1, 1997. Applications for initial certification also will be accepted during this period

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (Order), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-1800, 12 FCC Rcd 12196, released August 21, 1997.

The Bureau suspends enforcement of the coin sent-paid rule for one additional year until August 26, 1998. During the one-year suspension of the coin sent-paid requirement, the Bureau intends to recommend that the Commission issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and a Report and Order on the coin sent-paid issue. During this time, TRS providers and common carriers will continue to follow the Alternative Plan as adopted in the August 1995 Suspension Order, as modified by this Order.

  • Commission Seeks Comment on Petition for Relief filed by Florida Public Service Commission in the Matter of the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Fund, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-1927, 12 FCC Rcd 22019, released September 5, 1997.

On August 28, 1997, Florida Public Service Commission filed a petition for relief in the matter of the interstate TRS Fund.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Applications for State Certifications Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2042, 13 FCC Rcd 5970, released September 22, 1997.

State of Florida and Hawaii applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Applications for State Certification Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2089, 12 FCC Rcd 15280, released September 26, 1997.

State of Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, and Georgia applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Applications for State Certification Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2146, 13 FCC Rcd 7902, released October 3, 1997.

State of Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Nevada, Kentucky, Washington, Arizona, Delaware, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Utah, South Carolina, Maine, New Jersey, Maryland, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Missouri, Puerto Rico, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Montana, Vermont, Idaho, Colorado, South Dakota, Iowa, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Minnesota applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator files Annual Report including Fund Size Estimated and Payment Formula for 1998, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2170, 13 FCC Rcd 7950, released October 8, 1997.

The National Exchange Association (NECA) has file an annual report with the Commission that includes the payment formula for the calendar year 1998 and the Fund size estimated for the period April 1998 through March 1999.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Applications for State Certifications Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2182, 12 FCC Rcd 19416, released October 10, 1997.

State of North Carolina, California, District of Columbia and Texas applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Applications for State Certification Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2203, 13 FCC Rcd 8025, released October 15, 1997.

State of Nebraska and North Dakota applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification.

  • Commission Seeks Comment on Petition for Declaratory Ruling Filed by the Oregon Public Utility Commission for No-Cost Multiple Telecommunications Relay Services Directory Listings, (Public Notice), DA 97-2218, 13 FCC Rcd 8057, released October 17, 1997.

On October 15, 1997, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) filed a petition for declaratory ruling regarding the Oregon TRS program, requesting that the Commission direct US West Communications, Inc., a local exchange carrier in Oregon, to provide a free White Page listing (and accompanying Directory Assistance data base listing) for each of the three additional Oregon TRS numbers (Voice, ASCII, and Spanish-speaking callers).

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Applications for State Certification Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2266, 12 FCC Rcd 17486, released October 27, 1997.

Notice is hereby given that the following states have applied to the Commission for State TRS Certification: Alaska and New York

  • Oregon Public Utility Commission and US West File Joint Motion to Withdraw Petition for Declaratory Ruling in the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services, (Public Notice), DA 97-2369, 12 FCC Rcd 18338, released November 10, 1997.

OPUC and US West state that they mutually resolved the White Page listing matter. The Commission accepted their joint motion to withdraw OPUC's petition and dismissed the matter.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Applications for State Certification Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2430, 12 FCC Rcd 19547, released November 20, 1997.

State of Ohio applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Applications for State Certification Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2527, 12 FCC Rcd 19804, released December 1, 1997.

State of Louisiana and Rhode Island applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Applications for State Certification Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2567, 12 FCC Rcd 20350, released December 8, 1997.

State of Arkansas applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Applications for State Certification Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 97-2639, 12 FCC Rcd 21934, released December 18, 1997.

State of New Hampshire applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (Order), DA 97-2676, 12 FCC Rcd 22,046, released December 22, 1997.

The Commission approves NECA's proposed payment rate to TRS providers for 1998. The Commission also calculates the carriers' contribution factor to the TRS Fund for the April 26, 1998 through March 26, 1999 period, and adopts a contribution factor of 00039. The Commission also adopts the 1998 TRS Fund Worksheet, FCC Form 431.

  • FCC to Hold Demonstration of Speech-to-Speech Relay Services that Expand Access to the Voice Telephone Network, (News Release), CC Docket 98-67, Report No. CC 98-4, released February 13, 1998.

The FCC will hold a demonstration on Thursday, February 19, 1998 at 9:30 am in the Commission Meeting Room in conjunction with its February Open Commission meeting.

  • Commission Proposes Ways to Improve Telecommunications Relay Services, Extend Services to More People with Disabilities, (News Release), CC Docket 98-67, Report No. CC 98-15, released May 14, 1998.

The Commission today proposed ways to enhance the quality of existing telecommunications relay services (TRS) and expand those services for better use by the 2.5 million Americans with speech disabilities. Today's proposals are intended to promote access to telecommunications and improve the overall effectiveness of both interstate and intrastate TRS programs.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking), CC Docket 98-67, FCC No. 98-90, 13 FCC Rcd 14187, released May 20, 1998.

This Notice proposes the amendments to the TRS rules that enhance the quality of TRS service and broaden the potential universal use of TRS service.

  • Notice of Publix Network Corporation's Telecommunications Relay Services Application for Certification Accepted, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-988, 13 FCC Rcd 13253, released May 22, 1998.

Publix Network Corporation applied to the Commission for state TRS Certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Certification, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-1001, 13 FCC Rcd 12420, released May 27, 1998.

State of Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Kentucky, , Washington, Arizona, Delaware, South Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, Indiana, Montana, Vermont, Idaho, Colorado, South Dakota, Connecticut, Louisiana, Nebraska, California, New York, District of Columbia, Texas and North Dakota were granted state TRS certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Certification, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-1037, 13 FCC Rcd 13832, released June 2, 1998.

State of Florida, Michigan, Illinois, Mississippi, Utah, Kansas, Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Arkansas were granted state TRS certification.

  • Common Carrier Bureau Announces Electronic Option for Filing Comments and Reply Comments in Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Proceeding, (Public Notice), CC Docket 98-67, DA 98-1049, 13 FCC Rcd 13858, released June 3, 1998.

The Common Carrier Bureau announces that for the purpose of CC Docket No. 98-67 proceeding, rules that require comments to be filed on paper are hereby waived, and parties are encouraged to file comments electronically.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Certification, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-1118, 13 FCC Rcd 16582, released June 11, 1998.

State of Georgia, Pennsylvania, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa and West Virginia were granted state TRS certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Certification, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-1194, 13 FCC Rcd 16801, released June 19, 1998.

State of Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Wisconsin were granted state TRS certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services Certification, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-1238, 13 FCC Rcd 17236, released June 26, 1998.

State of Alabama was granted state TRS certification.

  • Notice of Publix Network Corporation's Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS) Certification, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, NSD-L-98-65, DA 98-1239, 13 FCC Rcd 17238, released June 30, 1998.

Publix Network Corporation was granted state TRS certification.

  • Notice of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Certification, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-1355, 13 FCC Rcd 17440, released July 7, 1998.

State of Nevada was granted state TRS certification.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (Order), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-1595, 13 FCC Rcd 15453, released August 10, 1998.

On August 21, 1997, the Common Carrier Bureau suspended enforcement of the Commission's rule requiring TRS to be capable of handling coin sent-paid calls by August 26, 1997. The Bureau's one-year suspension of enforcement expired on August 26, 1998. In this Order, the Bureau further suspended the coin sent-paid requirement for one additional year until (August 26, 1999).

  • Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator Files Annual Report Including Fund Size Estimate and Payment for 1999, (Public Notice), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-2010, released October 5, 1998 (No FCC record cite available).

NECA has filed an annual report with Commission that includes the payment formula for the calendar year 1999 and the Fund size estimate for the period April 1999 through March 2000.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (Order), CC Docket 90-571, DA 98-2481, 13 FCC Rcd 23520, released December 2, 1998.

This Order approves NECA's proposed payment rate to TRS providers for 1999. In addition, it calculates the carriers' contribution factor to the TRS Fund for April 26, 1999 through March 26, 2000 period and adopts a contribution factor of 00038. It also adopts the 1999 TRS Fund Worksheet, FCC Form 431.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (Erratum), CC Docket 90-571, (in association with DA 98-2481), 13 FCC Rcd 23525, released December 8, 1998.

The Order in proceeding DA 98-2481, released December 2, 1998, is correct by replacing the second sentence in paragraph 11 with the following: The contribution factor is based on a projected funding base for 1998 gross carrier interstate revenues of $100.8 billion, projected 1998 TRS Fund outlays of $43.3 million, a surplus carryover of $9.3 million, and a safety margin of 10 percent, for a net 1999 funding requirement of $38.3 million.

  • FCC Requests Proposals For Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator and Comments on the Authorization of an Additional TRS Advisory Committee Member to Represent the Speech-Disabled Community, (Public Notice), DA 99-297, 14 FCC Rcd 2377, released February 4, 1999.

The Commission requests proposals from parties interested in being appointed TRS Fund Administrator at the end of the current administrator's term, and comments on whether the Commission should authorize reimbursement of an additional TRS advisory committee member in the category for the hearing and speech disability community.

  • FCC Convenes a Public Forum on 711 Access, (Public Notice), CC Docket 92-105, DA 99-1113, 14 FCC Rcd 9122, released June 8, 1999.

The FCC hosts a public forum on 711 access. The goal of the forum will be to identify the steps that must be taken to implement 711 access to TRS, as well as any obstacles to implementation and how those obstacles can be resolved.

  • Revised Public Notice on FCC Convenes a Public Forum on 711 Access to Telecommunications Relay Services, (Public Notice), CC Docket No. 92-105, DA 99-1170, 14 FCC Rcd 9378, released June 16, 1999.

The goal of the forum will be to identify the steps that must be taken to implement 711 access to TRS, as well as any obstacles to implementation and how those obstacles can be resolved.

  • Appointment of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator and Composition of the Interstate TRS Advisory Council, (Memorandum Opinion and Order), CC Docket 90-571, DA 99-1298, 14 FCC Rcd 10553, released July 1, 1999.

The Commission reappointed NECA to be the Administrator for another four-year term. In addition, the Commission authorized the Administrator to add an additional reimbursable position to the Advisory Council that represents the hearing disability community and another representative from the speech disability community.

  • In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (Order), CC Docket 90-571, DA 99-1682, 15 FCC Rcd 6675, released August 20, 1999.

In August 1998, the Bureau suspended enforcement of the Commission's rules requiring telecommunications relay services to be capable of handling coin sent-paid calls by August 26, 1998. The Bureau's one-year suspension of enforcement of this requirement expired on August 26, 1999. In this Order, the Commission suspended enforcement of the coin sent-paid requirement for one additional year, until (August 26, 2000).

  • Common Carrier Bureau Reminds All Common Carriers of their Obligation to Provide Access to their Telecommunications Services via TRS, (Public Notice), DA 99-1871, 15 FCC Rcd 9916, released September 14, 1999.

The Bureau reminds all common carriers of their obligation to provide (allow) access to their services via TRS service throughout the area(s) in which they offer telecommunications services.

  • In the Matter of 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Streamlined Contributor Reporting requirements Associated with Administration of Telecommunications Relay Services, North American Numbering Plan, Local Number Portability, and Universal Service Support Mechanisms, (Order), CC Docket 98-171, DA 99-2027, 1999 WL 777545 (FCC), released September 30, 1999.

The Bureau suspends its own motion requiring TRS payment formulas and revenue requirements for the year 2000 be filed with the FCC. This is waived until May 1, 2000.

Bureau/Office:
Consumer and Governmental Affairs